Performance study on anti-weather aging combinations for high-content polymer modified asphalt and comparison by improved multi-scale mathematical TOPSIS method

Abstract

Novel materials with anti-aging functionality play a crucial role in delaying the aging process and extending the service life of asphalt pavement. The objective of this study is to employ an improved mathematical TOPSIS method to optimize the best anti-weather aging combination for high-content polymer modified asphalt (SHCPMA). Firstly, the selection of light-absorbing materials, light-shielding materials, and antioxidants was conducted based on UV–vis spectroscopy test, resulting in eight unique anti-aging combination schemes. Then, an accelerated weather aging test was performed on SHCPMA to simulate its long-term outdoor aging process. Subsequently, a comprehensive investigation of the macro-rheological properties and micro-chemical properties of SHCPMA was carried out using rheological tests, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy test, and gel permeation chromatography test. Finally, a comprehensive analysis was conducted using TOPSIS method to determine the optimal anti-weather aging combination. The results showed that UV531, NanoTiO2, Irganox1010 + Irgafos168 were the preferred light-absorbing, light-shielding, and antioxidant materials, respectively. These three types of anti-aging materials can effectively absorb solar radiation, shield solar radiation, and neutralize free radicals, thereby inhibiting the formation of polar oxygen-containing functional groups, and the degradation of polymer molecules during weather aging. The improved TOPSIS method indicated the combined use of three types of anti-aging materials can maximize SHCPMA's resistance to weather aging, and the synergistic effect of light-absorbing material and light-shielding material was also ideal in terms of anti-aging performance. The optimization of anti-aging materials contributes to prolonging the road service life, thereby promoting sustainable development in pavement engineering.