Natural Rubber Latex and Its Effects on Some Properties of Bitumen.

Abstract

: In Ghana, the main binder for asphalt roads is bitumen. However there are many cases of early road deterioration resulting sometimes from effects of temperature on asphalt binder (bitumen). For this reason several studies are on-going to develop bitumen suitable for the climatic condition in the country. This study examines some physical properties such as softening point temperature, viscosity, penetration temperature and specific gravity and chemical functionalities, peak intensity and new functional group of AC 10 grade bitumen modified with natural rubber latex (L) at levels between 1-5% and 10% as well as its effect on aging at 5 and 10% blends. Standard methods of determinations of the physical properties, Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy (FT-IR) Test and Short term aging test were employed. Results indicated that upon addition of 1% natural rubber latex, all the properties tested decrease. Further increasing the percentage of natural rubber latex decreases penetration point but the softening point temperature, specific gravity and viscosity increases. Spectroscopy analysis result revealed that there was no change in peaks intensities of the blends as compared to the conventional bitumen. Aging test results indicated a change in mass of 0.112% for 5% blend and 0.152% for 10% blend. The study has shown that natural rubber could improve some properties of bitumen andcould be used for constructing more durable roads.