Effects of Alkylamines-Based and Polyalkylene Glycol-Based Bonding Enhancers on the Performance of Asphalt Binders

Abstract

The premature deterioration of asphalt pavements usually occurs due to different moisture damage mechanisms resulting in stripping, ravelling, potholes, and disintegration without proper treatment. Numerous efforts have been taken into consideration to improve the bonding between materials, hence prolonging the pavement life. This study evaluates the performance of asphalt binders incorporating Alkylamines-based (ALM) and Polyalkylene Glycol-based (PLG) bonding enhancers. Each bonding enhancer at 0.5% and 1.0% based on the weight of asphalt binder was separately blended with the conventional asphalt binder 60/70 penetration grade using a high shear mixer at 1000 rpm for 30 minutes at 160°C. The physical and rheological properties of modified binders were evaluated through penetration value, softening point, ductility, elastic recovery, rotational viscosity (RV), and dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) tests. Overall, additions of ALM and PLG show identical penetration grade compared to the control sample. Both ALM and PLG showcase a higher ductility and elastic recovery than the neat binder. The DSR test indicates the incorporation of bonding enhancers improves the modified binders’ rutting performance. While the application of ALM at 0.5% dosage increased the binder failure temperature out of all the tested samples, where the failure temperature is at 70°C, compared to others at 64°C. Studies at mastics and mixture levels should be conducted to appropriately understand the effect of bonding enhancer on the bituminous materials.