Effect of montmorillonite on properties of styrene–butadiene–styrene copolymer modified bitumen

Abstract

AbstractClay/styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS) modified bitumen composites were prepared by melt blending with different contents of sodium montmorillonite (Na‐MMT) and organophilic montmorillonite (OMMT). The structures of clay/SBS modified bitumen composites were characterized by XRD. The XRD results showed that Na‐MMT/SBS modified bitumen composites may form an intercalated structure, whereas the OMMT/SBS modified bitumen composites may form an exfoliated structure. Effects of MMT on physical properties, dynamic rheological behaviors, and aging properties of SBS modified bitumen were investigated. The addition of Na‐MMT and OMMT increases both the softening point and viscosity of SBS modified bitumens and the clay/SBS modified bitumens exhibited higher complex modulus, lower phase angle. The high‐temperature storage stability can also be improved by clay with a proper amount added. Furthermore, clay/SBS modified bitumen composites showed better resistance to aging than SBS modified bitumen, which was ascribed to barrier of the intercalated or exfoliated structure to oxygen, reducing efficiently the oxidation of bitumen, and the degradation of SBS. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:1289–1295, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers