Rolling Thin Film Oven Test Research Articles

Evaluation of Aging Evolution of Olive Pomace–Modified Asphalt Binders under Natural Weather Aging Conditions

Abstract The natural weather aging test (NWAT) for asphalt binders is an essential benchmark aging test used to investigate the aging evolution of asphalt binders under actual weather conditions. This study assessed the aging rates of olive pomace–modified asphalt binders and the control neat binder under NWAT. Instead of aging days, weather factors were proposed as metrics to correlate with the aging evolution of the rheological properties of asphalt binders. The test results showed that the olive pulp–rich fraction-modified asphalt binders after the rolling thin-film oven (RTFO) test had lower aging susceptibility than the RTFO-aged control binder. The RTFO-aged binders exhibited lower aging rates than the corresponding unaged asphalt binders under NWAT. The sums of weather indexes such as the sum of the daily maximum ultraviolet index are rational field metrics to correlate with the rheological aging properties of natural weather–aged asphalt binders. Caution shall be taken when using aging days to interpret the aging rates of asphalt binders under NWAT.

Laboratory evaluation on the aging susceptibility of reclaimed asphalt bitumen containing low-viscosity binder and cooking oil waste

This study investigates the use of cooking oil waste (COW) and low-viscosity binder (LVB) to improve the performance of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) binders and promote the consumption of by-product materials. The aging resistance capacity of experimentally aged asphalt binders with COW as rejuvenators and recently synthesized high-penetration asphalt binders was evaluated using the Rolling Thin Film Oven Test (RTFOT) and the Pressure Aging Vessel (PAV) tests. The Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) Test, Hamburg Wheel Tracking, and Overlay Tester (OT) were used to evaluate the dynamic shear characteristics and performance of the modified RAP mixture. The test results show that using low-viscosity binder (LVB) positively affected the quality of reclaimed asphalt binder after prolonged aging periods. Additionally, the dynamic shear modulus of the AP1 mixture was 5% less than the reference mixture after the PAV condition, indicating a reduced stiffness effect. Considering the performance of reinforced RAP mixture, all RAP mixtures withstood a load of 20,000 cycles settling under 20 mm after 10,000 cycles. In mix COW1, COW5, and LVB, the final settlement was 3.75 mm, 3 mm, and 2.66 mm. Meanwhile, the load reductions of the above mixes were 73.3%, 74.2%, and 76.4% after 1000 OT cycles. In conclusion, utilizing LVB in RAP binder can produce equivalent benefits as applying a rejuvenator additive, even at a high asphalt content (40%) threshold. This research can offer insights into improving the performance of RAP binders in service and promoting the development of green construction.

Investigation on the Short-Term Aging Scheme for High Viscosity Modified Bitumen.

Due to the highly viscous characteristics of high viscosity modified bitumen (HVMB), the commonly used short-term aging schemes are not suitable for it. As such, the objective of this study is to introduce a suitable short-term aging scheme for HVMB by increasing the aging period and temperature. For this purpose, two kinds of commercial HVMB were aged via rolling thin-film oven test (RTFOT) and thin-film oven test (TFOT) at different aging periods and temperatures. At the same time, open-graded friction course (OGFC) mixtures prepared using HVMB were also aged via two aging schemes to simulate the short-term aging of bitumen at the mixing plant. With the aid of temperature sweep, frequency sweep, and multiple stress creep recovery tests, the rheological properties of short-term aged bitumen and the extracted bitumen were tested. By comparing the rheological properties of TFOT- and RTFOT-aged bitumen with those of extracted bitumen, suitable laboratory short-term aging schemes for HVMB were determined. Comparative results showed that aging the OGFC mixture in a 175 °C forced-draft oven for 2 h is suitable to simulate the short-term aging process of bitumen at the mixing plant. Compared with RTOFT, TFOT was more preferable for HVMB. Additionally, the recommended aging period and temperature for TFOT was 5 h and 178 °C, respectively.

The effect of waste material generated during paper production on the rheological and structural features of asphalt binder

In this study, the performance properties of magnesium lignosulfonate, an organic waste material produced during paper production from wood, on asphalt binder were investigated. The modification was carried out by adding magnesium lignosulfonate (MLS) at 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8% by weight to the asphalt with B50/70 penetration grade. The morphological structure, modification mechanism, and thermal decomposition temperatures of the modified asphalt binders formed by adding the MLS to the asphalt were determined by a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), and Thermogravimetry-Differential Thermal Analysis (TG/DTG), respectively. The physical and rheological properties of the material were determined by penetration, softening point, Rolling Thin Film Oven Test (RTFOT), Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR), and Rotational Viscometer (RV) experiments conducted in a laboratory. The experimental results showed that the organic-based waste additive increases the asphalt consistency, rutting, and short-term aging resistance, and decreases the temperature sensitivity.

Ageing Evaluation of Foamed Polymer Modified Bitumen with Bio-Flux Additive

This paper presents the results of an analysis of the changes in the stiffness of asphalt binders modified with a bio-flux additive and subjected to the processes of foaming and short-term ageing. The purpose of the analyses was to determine changes in the rheological properties of asphalt binder as a result of technological processes characteristic of hot and warm mix asphalt technology. Three asphalt binders with similar penetration but varying degrees of polymer modification were tested: 50/70, 45/80-55 polymer-modified bitumen, and 45/80-80 highly modified bitumen. Tests were carried out on four groups of binders: original binders, foamed binders after 14 days of storage, non-foamed binders after Rolling Thin Film Oven Test (RTFOT) ageing, and foamed binders after 14 days of storage subjected to RTFOT ageing. The master curves of the complex shear modulus G* were analysed, and three indexes of binder stiffening were determined, characterising the investigated effects. The tests showed that some of the stiffening indices significantly depended on the degree of polymer modification and the content of the bio-flux additive. Moreover, it was found that the foaming process in the case of paving-grade bitumen and polymer-modified bitumen did not contribute to the additional stiffening of the binders.

Rheological and Thermo-Oxidative Aging Properties of Asphalt Modified with a Combination of Sasobit and Linear Low-Density Polyethylene

Research of different asphalt modifiers has been necessary for the attempt to construct durable roads with higher standards. Fischer Tropsch-paraffin wax (Sasobit) has recently attracted considerable attention over polymer modification due to its capacity to lower the energy requirements for asphaltic mix construction. In this study, Sasobit was used to recover the performance as well as the workability of 3 wt% linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) modified asphalt. A base asphalt binder with a penetration grade of 50/70 was blended with 3 wt% LLDPE and 3 wt% Sasobit separately and then combined with different Sasobit dosages (1–3 wt%). The performance of modified asphalt binders was evaluated using conventional, rheological, and thermal tests. As a result, it was found that loading Sasobit (1–3 wt%) into LLDPE-asphalt mixture steadily decreased the penetration and ductility at 25 °C from 25 to 12 dmm and 31 to 18 cm, respectively, and softening point increased by 20% indicating improved high-temperature performance. The binder workability and mix temperature were improved since the addition of Sasobit reduced the LLDPE-asphalt viscosity from 0.292 to 0.189 Pa.s (22% less). Sasobit improved the thermo-oxidative aging resistance of the binder by showing less weight variation (less than 0.001%) after the Rolling Thin-Film Oven Test (RTFOT) and high ductility retention (65%). Thermogravimetry (TG) and kinetics analysis results indicated that Sasobit-LLDPE delayed the initial and maximum decomposition temperature by 11 °C and hence increased the thermal stability of modified binders. Thus, the proposed binders are a suitable solution for asphalt pavement construction in regions that encounter high-temperature changes.

Reconstruction of Asphalt Pavements with Crumb Rubber Modified Asphalt Mixture in Cold Region: Material Characterization, Construction, and Performance

Dry-processed rubberized asphalt mixture has recently attracted a lot of attention as an alternative to conventional asphalt mixtures. Dry-processed rubberized asphalt pavement has improved the overall performance characteristics compared to the conventional asphalt road. The objective of this research is to demonstrate the reconstruction of rubberized asphalt pavement and evaluate the pavement performance of dry-processed rubberized asphalt mixture based on laboratory and field tests. The noise mitigation effect of dry-processed rubberized asphalt pavement was evaluated at the field construction sites. A prediction of pavement distresses and long-term performance was also conducted using mechanistic-empirical pavement design. In terms of experimental evaluation, the dynamic modulus was estimated using materials test system (MTS) equipment, the low-temperature crack resistance was characterized by the fracture energy from the indirect tensile strength test (IDT), and the asphalt aging was assessed with the rolling thin-film oven (RTFO) test and the pressure aging vessel (PAV) test. The rheology properties of asphalt were estimated by a dynamic shear rheometer (DSR). Based on the test results: (1) The dry-processed rubberized asphalt mixture presented better resistance to cracking, as the fracture energy was enhanced by 29-50% compared to that of conventional hot mix asphalt (HMA); and (2) the high-temperature anti-rutting performance of the rubberized pavement increased. The dynamic modulus increased up to 19%. The findings of the noise test showed that at different vehicle speeds, the rubberized asphalt pavement greatly reduced the noise level by 2-3 dB. The pavement M-E (mechanistic-empirical) design-predicted distress illustrated that the rubberized asphalt pavement could reduce the IRI, rutting, and bottom-up fatigue-cracking distress based on a comparison of prediction results. To sum up, the dry-processed rubber-modified asphalt pavement has better pavement performance compared to the conventional asphalt pavement.

A study on the effect of aging on pmb40 and crmb55 in bituminous concrete layers

Aging occurs in bituminous materials throughout the construction and service lifespan of asphalt pavement, and it has a substantial impact on their performance. Bitumen aging is one of the primary causes of asphalt pavement degradation. As bitumen ages, asphalt surfaces lose their capacity to alleviate tension during the cooling process, increasing the danger of cracking. The thin film oven test (TFOT) and the rolling thin film oven test (RTFOT) are two extensively used short-term aging tests (RTFOT). The rotating cylinder-aging test (RCAT) and pressure aging vessel are two extensively used tests in the long-term aging of bitumen (PAV). The suggested research includes the comparison of un-modified bitumen and modified bitumen of waste crumb rubber and plastic rubber. This research was conducted on the aging of different grades of bitumen, that are two modified bitumen, which are PMB40 & CRMB55. After the aging of the bitumen, we conducted some physical property tests on the normal bitumen and RTFOT-modified bitumen. The outcome of the testing of the physical properties was that the RTFOT modified bitumen gained more strength as compared to the normal bitumen after the testing of physical properties of bitumen (Normal Bitumen & RTFOT Modified Bitumen) prepared samples for testing the Marshall Properties. After testing, Marshall Properties’ research can conclude that the RTFOT Modified Bitumen provides more strength compared to the normal bitumen. The RTOFT modified bitumen can be used in rural areas to provide a better pavement surface and longevity of the pavement. Through the aging of bitumen, the adhesion property between bitumen and aggregate becomes strong, so that in a high traffic area, cracks do not develop easily

Aging resistance of polyurethane/graphene oxide composite modified asphalt: performance evaluation and molecular dynamics simulation

ABSTRACT To evaluate the effect of polymers and nanomaterials on asphalt after thermo-oxidative aging, the aging resistance of thermoplastic polyurethane modified asphalt (PU-MA), polyurethane/graphene oxide composite modified asphalt (PU/GO-MA) were discussed through experiments and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The molecular composition and self-healing ability of aged asphalt were investigated. Base asphalt and virgin asphalt were used as control. The aging experiments of base asphalt, PU-MA and asphalt modified with PU and different content of GO composites were carried out by rolling thin-film oven test. The differential scanning calorimeter, thermal gravimetric analyzer, viscous flow deformation, bending beam rheometer and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer tests were carried out. The molecules and cracks models of asphalt were simulated by MD. The parameters such as mean square displacement, fractional free volume, dipole moment and viscosity were calculated. The results show that PU/GO can affect the transformation among components, increase the melting temperature of asphalt, improve the migration ability of asphalt molecules, enhance the self-healing diffusion movement of asphalt molecules and reduce the energy and viscosity of aged asphalt. In brief, nano and chemical synergistic modification has effects on the properties of asphalt after aging.

Short-term aging characteristics and mechanisms of SBS-modified bio-asphalt binder considering time-dependent effect

• Short-term aging mechanisms of the SBAs considering time-dependent effect. • Effects of aging time on the ageing mechanisms of the SBAs. • Effects of bio-asphalt content on the aging mechanisms of the SBAs. Bio-asphalt has emerged as a reliable material for replacing conventional asphalt in asphalt modification owing to its well social, environmental and economic benefits. However, the short-term aging mechanisms of modified bio-asphalt binders considering time-dependent effect have not been discussed widely in previous studies. In this study, considering the extensive use of SBS-modified bio-asphalt binders, the aging characteristics of an SBS-modified bio-asphalt binder (SBA) based on six different aging times (0 min, 40 min, 65 min, 130 min, 195 min, and 260 min) and four different bio-asphalt contents (0%, 3%, 6%, and 9%) are investigated using the rolling thin film oven test (RTFOT). Bio-asphalt can significantly improve the aging resistance of the SBA, although the improvement effect decreases as the bio-asphalt content increases. Moreover, the short-term aging mechanisms of the SBA considering time-dependent effect are determined based on fluorescence microscope (FM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results indicate that the aging of the SBA at early stage is primarily attributed to the disintegration of the SBS cross-linked structure due to the volatilization of light components (e.g., saturates and aromatics) and the thermal-oxidative degradation of styrene-butadiene. With the increase of aging time, aging is primarily caused by the conversion of resins, saturates, and aromatics to asphaltenes due to the oxidation of the polyunsaturated carbon chain and sulfur. Although bio-asphalt can delay the aging, it does not change the evolution process.

Effects of Pruning Residues from Blueberry Bushes Powder on the Physical and Rheological Properties of Bitumen

Bitumen is a hydrocarbon product prone to oxidative aging. For this reason, the aim of this study is to evaluate physical and rheological properties of modified bitumen with pruning residues from blueberry bushes powder (RPA), anti-aging natural compound, to reduce the oxidative damage of bitumen. Rolling thin film oven test (RTFOT) was performed to simulate short term aging of modified bitumen with 2, 6 and 10% RPA by weight. The results of conventional tests (penetration, softening point, ductility and rotational viscosity) indicated that the addition of RPA increases the stiffness of bitumen and decreases its temperature susceptibility. In addition, dynamic shear rheometer test (DSR) shows that modified binders improve their resistance against deformation and enhance their elastic response. The 6% RPA binder demonstrated better oxidative aging resistance without compromising its performance at low temperature.

Rheological, Aging, and Microstructural Properties of Polycarbonate and Polytetrafluoroethylene Modified Bitumen.

Deterioration of asphalt pavements due to massive load of vehicles and climatic variation has demanded the use of pavements construction material with an excellent resilience characteristic, resistance to permanent deformation, and most importantly, a much longer service lifespan. The main structural distresses in pavement construction are permanent deformation at high temperatures and fatigue cracking under repetitive traffic loadings. To comprehensively investigate the performance of bitumen penetration grade (PG) 70 against rutting, fatigue, and high temperature cracking in hot mix asphalt (HMA) pavements, polycarbonate (PC) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) were used. The investigation of the internal structure, rheological, and physical properties of base and modified bitumen (MB) mixes with different percentages of modifiers (0%, 2.5%, and 5%) by weight were performed via scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern analysis, rolling thin-film oven test (RTFOT), pressurized aging vessel (PAV), dynamic shear rheometer (DSR), rotational viscosity (RV), and bending beam rheometer (BBR). The results of the RV test indicate that modification of neat bitumen with polycarbonate and polytetrafluoroethylene increased the viscosity for polycarbonate-modified bitumen (PCMB), polytetrafluoroethylene-modified bitumen (PTFEMB), and for a blend of PCMB-PTFEMB by 44%, 50%, and 55.75% at 135 °C and 111.10%, 127.80%, and 138.88% at 165 °C, accordingly. BBR test results revealed that modifiers increased the rigidity of neat bitumen by 74.8%, 75.8%, and 74.5% at −16 °C, −22 °C, and −28 °C, respectively.

Effects of Commercial Antioxidants on Aging Resistances of Asphalt Binders

Asphalt aging has a direct influence on the durability of asphalt mixture. In order to improve thermal oxidizing aging resistance of asphalt, the commercial antioxidants including Irganox 1010 and Irgafos 168 were selected to modify base asphalt and SBR asphalt. The basic properties of modified asphalt before and after the rolling thin film oven test (RTFOT) are evaluated by penetration, softening point, ductility, and viscosity. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) test was applied to determine the antiaging mechanism of modified and unmodified asphalt. According to the test result, Irganox 1010 not only reduces the aging degree of asphalt but also has little adverse effect on other properties. Irgafos 168 with a content of 1% improves the low temperature ductility of asphalt and improves the antiaging performance of asphalt significantly. After RTFOT, the content of oxygen-containing functional groups (carbonyl group and sulfoxide group) declines significantly in antioxidation modified asphalt, and Irganox 1010 and Irgafos 168 inhibit oxidizing reaction in the aging procedure. This study can provide a useful reference for improving the aging property of asphalt in highway construction.

Fatigue Behavior and Healing Properties of Aged Asphalt Binders

This study aims to investigate the fatigue behavior and healing properties of aged asphalt binders. Both 70# and SBS-modified asphalt binders were aged using a rolling thin-film oven test (RTFOT), and their physical properties were analyzed. Their fatigue behavior and healing properties were investigated using a dynamic-shear-rheometer time-sweep test. The influence of healing on fatigue behavior was evaluated in terms of the fatigue life ratio (FLR), and a new index was defined (accumulated dissipation-energy ratio, ADER) to evaluate the healing properties of aged asphalt binders. Aging reduced the penetration and ductility of both the asphalt binders, and large aging degrees increased their softening points. Small aging degrees slightly decreased the softening point of the SBS-modified asphalt binder but increased that of 70# asphalt binder. The former had a better thermal-oxidative aging resistance than the latter. Aging increased the complex shear modulus of the binders, resulting in a longer fatigue life under controlled-stress conditions. The fatigue life of aging asphalt binders obeyed a good (R2>0.90) double-logarithmic linear relationship with the stress level. Healing recovers the asphalt complex shear modulus and extends its fatigue life. Additionally, the FLR and ADER increased with a decrease in aging degree and an increase in the healing period.

Evaluation of the Aging Properties of Terminal Blend Hybrid Asphalt Based on Chemical and Rheological Methods

The chemical and rheological properties of terminal blend hybrid asphalt (TBHA) contributing to the consumption of waste tires before and after aging were studied. Styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) polymer, sulphur, crumb rubber (CR), and neat asphalt were chosen to prepare the TBHA. The short-term aging (STA) and long-term aging (LTA) of TBHA were simulated using a rolling thin film oven test (RTFOT) and pressure aging vessel (PAV), separately. The chemical and rheological properties of the TBHA were tested. The results show that the G* and G*/sin δ of TBHA ares generally lower than SBS-modified asphalt (SBSMA) at 76 °C, and the δ, Jnr0.1, and Jnr3.2 of TBHA are generally higher than SBSMA at 76 °C. Additionally, with the decrease of CR, the G* and G*/sin δ of TBHA decreased more obviously, and the G* and G*/sin δ of 5T_3S_0.2Sul (5 wt% CR, 3 wt% SBS, and 0.2 wt% sulphur) were the smallest. Moreover, during the STA, the SBS modifier in the TBHA degraded and made the bitumen predominantly soft; however, during the LTA, the hardening of the bitumen played a dominant role and increased its elasticity. The superior anti-aging properties of TBHA (both STA and LTA) are further demonstrated.

The influence of regenerant with different dosages on the performance of aged SBS modified asphalt

In asphalt pavement thermal regeneration, incorporation of regenerant can restore the properties of aged SBS modified asphalt, but the effect of regenerant on the recovery of aged asphalt and the dosage of regenerant are not clear. In this study, experiments are carried to determine the effect of regenerant on the performance of aged SBS modified asphalt and the appropriate dose. Accelerated aging test is conducted by rolling thin film oven test (RTFOT) at different times. Then, different doses of regenerant (2 %, 4 %, 6 %, 8 %, 10 %, 12 %) are added to the specimens before and after aging, and test its technical indexes such as penetration, softening point and ductility to analyze the effect of regenerant on the properties of aged asphalt. The results show that: with the increase of the amount of regenerating agent, the aging asphalt performance indexes are restored, the softening point of regenerated asphalt is reduced, and the ductility and needle penetration are increased. Based on the analysis of the relationship between the aging time of SBS modified asphalt and the amount of regenerant, interpolation fitting is carried out to obtain the formula for the best amount of regenerant, so as to determine the best regenerant dosage for aged asphalt mixes in actual engineering applications.

Effect of Short-Term and UV Irradiation Aging on the Behaviour of SBS-Modified Bitumen

To obtain road bitumen with improved temperature and fatigue resistance, polymers and/or rubbers could be added to it. A particularly suitable polymer for bitumen modification is styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) copolymer but limited information is available about the ageing behaviour of modified binders. In this work, two neat bitumens, with different penetration grades, and two SBS-modified bitumens, containing different SBS amounts, were selected, and their short-term and UVB ageing behaviour were investigated considering dynamic shear rheometry and Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transformation InfraRed spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). Short-time ageing behaviour was investigated performing the rolling thin film oven test (RTFOT), while artificial UV ageing was examined/investigated using UVB lamps. The structural changes in bitumen were monitored at different UV exposure times. All the results suggest that the bitumen having higher penetration grade is more stable than the one with a lower penetration grade in the RTFOT ageing condition, and SBS addition exerts a beneficial effect on thermal stability during processing. Further, SBS addition also has a beneficial effect on the UV ageing resistance of bitumen, reducing its oxidation tendency.

Effects of water-foaming and liquid warm mix additive on the properties and chemical composition of asphalt binders in terms of short term ageing process

This study investigated the effects of water-foaming of asphalt binders containing liquid warm mix additives as an intention to produce warm-mix asphalt with enhanced performance in scope of compaction and moisture resistance. Two paving grade bitumen were used as a base material – a 35/50 and 50/70 paving grade bitumen binders. The investigation involved subjecting the asphalt binders to short-term ageing using rolling thin-film oven test protocol in temperatures ranging from 123 °C to 163 °C to simulate the effects of lowered processing temperatures in warm mix asphalt techniques. The testing methods included standard classification tests, basic evaluation of foaming performance, dynamic viscosity testing, evaluation of high temperature stiffness and non-recoverable compliance using a dynamic shear rheometer as well as evaluation of changes in chemical composition of the binders using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results have shown that water-foaming of asphalt binders incorporating the liquid warm mix additive led to an additional, significant drop in their dynamic viscosity in the mixing and compaction temperature range, while no significant effects to the performance-related characteristics of the binders were observed. It was found that the small changes in asphalt binder rheology caused by water-foaming were reverted in the course of laboratory short-term ageing. The process of water foaming has induced measurable changes in the chemical structure of the investigated binders associated traditionally with oxidative ageing, however these did not affect the results after the short-term laboratory ageing using the rolling thin-film oven test protocol. Based on the conducted work it was concluded that the simultaneous use of water-foaming and the liquid warm mix additive should not have permanent effects on the performance of the investigated asphalt binders, while enabling enhanced coating and workability of the asphalt mixtures produced in lowered temperatures.

Characterization of Asphalt Aging by Analytical Techniques: A Review on Progress and Perspectives

This review describes the chemical composition of asphalt, which is relevant for the development of materials with higher quality and durability. Asphalt aging can occur in the short term (during machining and storage periods) and the long-term (during the time the pavement is exposed to the environment). To understand the effect of aging on the chemical and physical properties of asphalt, we reviewed the short-term (rolling-thin film oven test (RTFOT) and its variations) and long-term (pressure aging vessel (PAV) and its variations) aging methods and the effects of the sun’s ultraviolet radiation (Suntest and its variations). We also explored the main chemical reactions that occur in the aging processes, such as oxidation, polymerization, and aromatization. For a more accurate assessment of the classes of compounds that undergo aging reactions, fractionation techniques have been developed over the years, such as separation of asphalt into saturates, naphthenic-aromatics, resins, asphaltenes, organic sulfides, nitrogenates, and oxygenates, among others. Despite several studies on the theme of asphalt aging, it is still necessary to understand the phenomena that occur in those processes.

Asphalt Binder "Skincare"? Aging Evaluation of an Asphalt Binder Modified by Nano-TiO2.

Aging by oxidation of asphalt roadway material promotes changes in its physical, chemical, and rheological properties, affecting its hardening and accelerating the degradation of its corresponding asphalt mixture. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) has been applied in engineering investigations to promote anti-aging and photocatalytic properties. In this study, a commercial binder was modified with nano-TiO2 (using contents of 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 6%). It was evaluated by physicochemical and rheological tests (penetration, softening point, mass loss, dynamic viscosity, rheology, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy—FTIR) before and after aging by rolling thin-film oven test (RTFOT) and pressure aging vessel (PAV). The results indicated that incorporating nano-TiO2 mitigates binder aging, pointing out 0.25% as an optimum modification content for the investigated asphalt binder.