Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Aging of asphalt is a major cause of pavement distress. While regenerators restore aged asphalt, their mechanisms and efficacy differences remain unclear. This study quantified the repair effects of waste bio-oil (WBO) and mineral oil (MO) rejuvenators on aged asphalt binder using a comprehensive characterization approach. Conventional properties (penetration, softening point, ductility), functional groups (FT-IR), thermal stability (TG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and dynamic shear rheology (DSR) were analyzed. Results reveal distinct mechanisms: WBO acts chemically via polar molecules, selectively reducing oxygen-containing groups and significantly improving ductility, while MO acts physically through light components that dilute viscosity, exhibiting weaker chemical repair. WBO-regenerated asphalt showed a lower thermal-oxidative peak temperature, superior low-temperature ductility, and enhanced high-temperature rheological performance (higher rutting factor, optimized viscoelasticity). These mechanistic differences-chemical restoration (WBO) versus physical replenishment (MO)-determine performance outcomes at the binder level. The findings provide a theoretical basis for regenerator selection in pavement engineering, highlighting WBO's advantages for functional group restoration and balanced thermal rheological properties, supporting sustainable road development.
Source: Materials
DOI: 10.3390/ma18174060
Authors: Sen Hu, Wentao Bu, Kaimin Niu, Haowu Wang
Language: English
Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,137
OpenAlex ID: W4413824981