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.
Highlights
Introduction eER technology was initiated in the early 1900s but was only further explored after the World War II [1]. e first commercial product of epoxy resin (ER), which was a reaction product of epichlorohydrin (ECH) and bisphenol A, was introduced by Devoe and Raynolds in 1947 [2]
A static compressive creep test was conducted on cylindrical specimens with 100 kPa loading and significantly lower creep deformation was observed for epoxy asphalt mixture (EAM) than that of the conventional asphalt mixture [148], which was reduced with the increase of the ER content
How the properties of epoxy asphalt can be translated to the properties of epoxy asphalt mixture in the field still needs to be checked by evaluation on the pavement performances of epoxy asphalt mixtures, which are reviewed
Summary
Epoxy monomers have been commonly synthesized from acidic hydroxyl groups and ECH. Due to its strained three-membered ring structure, the highly reactive ER can react with compounds containing activated hydrogen atoms, for instance, amines (both primary and secondary), phenols, carboxylic acids, thiols, and anhydrides [11]. Jiang et al [28] synthesized adipamide through esterification and ammonolysis (see Figure 4) to overcome the strong volatilization, high toxicity, and skin irritation of the traditional amine-based curing agents. A flexible curing agent, polymerized fatty acid (PFA), was successfully synthesized through catalytic ring-opening polymerization and epoxy fatty acid methyl ester [30]. A bio-based anhydride curing agent was prepared by the addition of maleic anhydride (MAH) and methyl ester of eleostearic acid from tung oil fatty acid [31]. Epoxy propane butyl ether was used as a diluent to lower the viscosity of the gel system [34]
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