Abstract
Due to the high degree of desulfurization and depolymerization of crumb rubber (CR) particles in terminal blend rubberized asphalt (TBRA), their elasticity and adhesive performance are insufficient. To address this, the study utilized low-cost fume silica nanoparticles (FSNPs) to enhance the elasticity and adhesive properties. TBRA binders with varying CR contents (30 %, 40 %, 50 %) were modified using different dosages of FSNPs (2 %, 4 %, 6 %). The microstructure of FSNPs was examined through TEM and SEM. Using a dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) test, contact angle test, and atomic force microscope (AFM) test, the effects of FSNPs on the rheological properties, surface energy, and adhesive properties of TBRA binders were evaluated. The results showed significant improvements in the deformation resistance and elasticity of the TBRA binders modified with FSNPs. This is attributed to the branched network structure of FSNPs, which notably enhances the binder's cohesion, thereby strengthening its resistance to shear deformation and improving elasticity. FSNPs effectively reduce the moisture sensitivity of TBRA, due to the hydrophilic hydroxyl groups on FSNPs being replaced by hydrophobic methyl groups (-CH3). The inadequate bonding performance of TBRA can be attributed to the high levels of extensively depolymerized and desulfurized CR particles, which reduce the cohesiveness of the binder. The addition of FSNPs, although it lowers the surface energy of TBRA binders, significantly enhances their cohesiveness due to the branched network structure, thereby improving their bond performance. AFM results indicate that FSNPs enhance the adhesive strength of the TBRA binder surface due to their high specific surface area, which provides more van der Waals forces and electrostatic interactions. For economic efficiency, an addition of 4 % is recommended for TB30, and 2 % for TB40 and TB50. At these specified concentrations, the bond strength of the TBRA binder can be increased by 45–55 %.
Published Version
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