Application of Epoxy-Asphalt Composite in Asphalt Paving Industry: A Review with Emphasis on Physicochemical Properties and Pavement Performances

Abstract

One of the failure mechanisms associated with asphalt paving layers, especially on steel deck bridges, is large permanent deformation, which adversely affects its long-term performance in service. Thus, epoxy resin was introduced in asphalt paving industry to tackle permanent deformation of asphalt mixtures due to its thermosetting nature. In this review, epoxy resin as a dominant component of the epoxy-asphalt composite system was first considered, followed by a discussion on its curing methods and curing mechanism. Furthermore, the physicochemical property and mechanical performance of epoxy asphalt and epoxy asphalt mixture were thoroughly examined. Crosslink density of epoxy asphalt dictates its viscosity and thus the allowable construction time. Phase separation and dispersion of asphalt particles in the epoxy matrix was observed for epoxy-asphalt composite, and it showed superior elastic behavior and deformation resistance capability when compared with conventional asphalt materials. Furthermore, epoxy asphalt mixture exhibited significantly higher compressive strength, much better rutting resistance, and superior durability and water resistance properties. However, its low-temperature cracking resistance was slightly compromised.

Viscoelastic and mechanical properties of repair epoxy mortar from modified poly(ethylene terephthalate) waste

“…In this paper, the curing process, with or without the effect of a tertiary amine catalyst, is assumed to proceed via three main crosslinking reactions: (1) reaction of the primary amine group with the oxirane ring of epoxy oligomer, yielding a tertiary amine network, (2) reaction of the carboxylic acid group with the primary amine and then with the oxirane ring, yielding a tertiary amide network, and (3) reaction of the nucleophilic amine catalyst with the carboxylic acid to form a carboxylate, which then attacks the oxirane ring to form the alkoxide intermediate, which can react with the ammonium catalyst or carboxylic acid group, yielding a hydroxyl function (3.1) or a polyester network (3.2) [11][12][13][14]. (tan δ), and crosslink density (R) determined at elastic modulus in the rubbery state (Tg+30 o C) and were calculated using the following equation [12][13][14][15]:…”

“…The maximum tan  (tanmax) can be related to interfacial adhesion between the epoxy matrix and aggregate and damping properties of the material. Good damping performance materials that help to reduce noise and vibration should exhibit a high loss factor (tan   0.3) over the working temperature [15,20,21]. However, higher peak of loss tangent represents lower interfacial adhesion between the epoxy matrix and aggregate [18,19].…”

“…In addition, the temperature at the maximum value of tan  is commonly identified as Tg of the polymer. The increase in Tg was attributed to the strong interactions between the epoxy matrix and aggregate that prohibit crosslink mobility of the epoxy polymer [15]. Thus, the effectiveness of the composite can be represented by low tan  as well as high Tg values.…”

A Novel Cold-Mixed Epoxy Concrete and Its Comparison with Hot-Mixed Epoxy Asphalt Concrete

“…e damping behavior of CME, HME, and HMEA can be quantitatively evaluated by the maximum value of tanδ((tanδ)max), the temperature range for efficient damping (tanδ >0.3), and the area under the tanδ versus temperature curve [19,37,38].…”

Study of Low-Content Epoxy Asphalt Mixture Applied to the Road

“…Epoxy asphalt is a thermosetting material that changes from a fluid to a solid state with increasing temperature and time. It is still difficult to grasp the time and temperature window of epoxy asphalt pavement construction in engineering applications, and the control of construction quality and rolling technology lacks solid data support [45][46][47]. In addition, the gradation design of epoxy asphalt mixture adopts a continuous dense gradation form in steel bridge deck pavement, which belongs to a suspended dense structure to prolong the fatigue performance and waterproof performance.…”