Effect of Rectorite and Its Organic Modification on Properties of Bitumen

Abstract

Two organic rectorites (ORECs) were prepared by using cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) and octadecyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (ODBA) as organic modifiers to modify the rectorites. Rectorite and OREC modified bitumens were prepared by melt blending. Microstructures of the modified bitumens were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The effect of rectorite (REC) and its organic modification on the physical and aging properties of bitumen was investigated. X-ray diffraction results show that REC and ODBA-REC modified bitumens form the intercalated nanostructure, whereas CTAB-REC modified bitumen forms an exfoliated nanostructure. Compared with RECs, ORECs show the better compatibility with the bitumen as well as the higher improvement in softening point, viscosity, and aging resistance of the bitumen. The CTAB-REC modified bitumen shows lower viscosity aging index values and softening point increment in comparison with the ODBA-REC modified bitumen, indicating its good aging resistance.