Preparation of shape memory epoxy resin for asphalt mixtures and its influences on the main pavement performance

Abstract

Thermally induced shape memory polymers (SMPs) are stimulated by a temperature change, and in response to that change, can be restored to their initial state by adjusting the mechanical parameters, which is known as shape memory property. Thermally induced SMPs may reduce the high-temperature rutting of asphalt mixtures. Herein, a suitable shape was produced by adding a shape memory epoxy resin (SMER) by into an asphalt mixture. Four different kinds of SMERs were prepared in this study, and a fibrous shape memory epoxy resin (F-SMER) was chosen for application in asphalt mixtures. The molecular structures, thermostability, and thermal properties of the F-SMER were measured by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The high-temperature performance, low-temperature crack resistance and water stability of the asphalt mixture were measured by a rutting test, bending test, immersion Marshall test and freeze–thaw splitting test. The results show that the thermostability of the F-SMER met the requirements for use in asphalt mixtures. The dynamic stability first increased and then decreased with increasing F-SMER proportion. The low-temperature performance of the asphalt mixture mixed with F-SMER met all specification requirements. The incorporation of F-SMER was also advantageous to the water stability of the asphalt mixtures.