Softening Point Tests Research Articles

Investigating the applicability of storage stability test for waste plastic modified bitumen: Morphological analyses

Plastics have proven as effective modifiers for asphalt binders; however, significant knowledge gaps exist around appropriateness of standard method of storage stability test and phase separation mechanism. These gaps are even more critical when using waste plastics containing polymeric cross-contamination. This study addresses these gaps through the application of asphalt tests, fluorescence microscopy (FM) and image processing techniques. The FM and image processing results showed that there is a relationship between elevated plastic swelling rates and plastic dispersion in bitumen matrix. Quantitative analysis of the images indicated that LDPE and LLDPE modified binders exhibited the lowest level of phase separation (5 %), followed by HDPE modified binder (13 %), and PP modified binder showed the highest level (20 %). Furthermore, cross-contamination of LDPE, LLDPE, and HDPE with PP notably worsened the storage stability of the resulting modified binders by approximately 10 %. The findings from FM and image processing indicated that the softening point test conducted through the storage stability tube test is insufficient for assessing the storage stability of plastic modified binders. To further validate this point, asphalt performance was examined for asphalt mixtures made with the binders before and after storage stability test. The findings demonstrated a substantial influence of phase separation of binder on key properties of the resulting asphalt mixture.

Modifikasi Kereb dengan Inovasi Fitur Self-Glow Melalui Penambahan Fosforence dan Glass Bead

The increase in population in Indonesia occurs rapidly as the years go by, which is directly proportional to the need for adequate facilities and infrastructure for carrying out activities and mobilizing from one place to another. Fulfillment of multi-story parking facilities is often found in the basement. It can be supported by additional facilities that help vehicle drivers take advantage of limited land. This section is quite dark and can potentially harm drivers because it causes high installation and maintenance costs for electrical installations and lighting. In overcoming this problem, one alternative research effort is to innovate the addition of a self-glow feature by adding phosphorescence powder and glass beads to modifications to conventional carriages' road dividers. Using a layer variation of 30%P1 20%P2; (15%F1;60%T1); (20%F2;80%T2); (25%F3;100%); top coat 100:50 tested for drying time, adhesion test, low-temperature test, softening point test, shelf life test, gradation test, and reflectivity test according to SNI 03-6450-2000. Glass waste was chosen as an additional material because it has the same properties as glass beads in reflecting light. Phosphorescence powder can glow in the dark, while glass beads can reflect light. Then it went through various testing processes (30%P1; 25%; 100%F3), which is an efficient variation and has the quality of the results of the luminescence test and reflectivity test, namely Qd 417, and it can be seen that the water-based phosphorescence coating can light up to 50 minutes at exposure 46.2 lux.

Modified Asphalt Using Buton Natural Rock Asphalt

he characteristics of asphalt mostly determine how well asphalt pavements work. High temperatures can cause stress on the asphalt surface layer. At high temperatures, irreversible alteration or bubbling occurs and leads to spalling as it travels. This is due to the slow movement of the asphalt components in the pavement mixture, which resists the strain caused by traffic. This is because the pavement mix's viscous asphalt matrix flow resists stresses brought on by vehicles. As a result, the rheological characteristics of asphalt, which may be altered, have a significant impact on pavement performance. In this study, Pen. 60/70 asphalt was modified by using Buton Natural Rock Asphalt (BNRA). A total of 10 to 25% of fine BNRA passing sieve #200 was added to the asphalt. Four mixtures of asphalt and BNRA were then tested for penetration and softening point. From the Penetration and Softening Point test results, thePenetration Index (PI) was determined. The PI results obtained were 0; 0.2; 0.1; 0.1; and 0.4 for BNRA content of 0, 10, 15, 20, and 25%. The higher the PI value of asphalt, the lower its temperature susceptibility. It can be seen that with the addition of BNRA, the asphalt is more resistant to temperature changes. While it is evident that BNRA affects the resistance of asphalt to temperature changes, it is also evident that its strength.

The Effect of the Temperature–Humidity Coupling Cycle on the Performance of Styrene Butadiene Styrene Polymer-Modified Asphalt Mastic

To study the variation laws and effects of asphalt mastic under the cooperative interaction of different temperatures and humidities, cyclic conditions for different temperature ranges were set to conduct indoor experimental simulations of thermal–humidity coupling cycles. Firstly, the macroscopic performance changes in styrene butadiene styrene polymer (SBS)-modified asphalt mastic were evaluated by the penetration test, softening point test, ductility test, Brookfield rotational viscosity test, and double-edge notched tensile (DENT) test; then, the mechanism of performance changes was explored from the perspective of chemical composition by combining this with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The research results show that with the increase in thermal–humidity coupling cycles, SBS-modified asphalt mastic exhibited aging phenomena such as hardening and embrittlement, and its macroscopic performance deteriorated; under the same test conditions, the interval with a higher temperature difference had a greater impact on the performance of the mastic; the sulfoxide index (IS=O) of SBS-modified asphalt mastic increases after thermal–humidity coupling cycles, while the isoprene index (IB) decreases.

Feasibility Analysis of Resource Application of Dry Flue Gas Desulfurization Ash in Asphalt Pavement Materials

To verify the feasibility of applying dry flue gas desulfurization ash (DFGDA) to asphalt pavement materials, the asphalt mastic (filler and asphalt composition) prepared by adding different proportions of DFGDA and LSP (limestone powder) into 70# matrix asphalt was studied experimentally. The asphalt mastics were subjected to the penetration test, the softening point test, and the ductility test. Moreover, the rheological properties of asphalt mastic were evaluated with dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) tests and bending beam rheometer (BBR) tests. An interaction ability index C-value based on the Palierne model was proposed to evaluate the interaction ability between DFGDA and asphalt. The influence of DFGDA asphalt on the interaction ability of matrix asphalt was observed and evaluated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that with the increasing proportion of DFGDA, the penetration of asphalt mastic gradually decreased, the softening point increased, and the ductility slightly decreased. At the same temperature, the dynamic shear modulus G* of the asphalt mortar significantly increased with increasing DFGDA content. The incorporation of DFGDA negatively affected the low-temperature plastic deformation resistance of asphalt, but the impact was weakened with the growing DFGDA amount and the powder mastic ratio. The combination mode of DFGDA and matrix asphalt depends on the physical blending, and their interaction ability mainly depends on the miscibility between DFGDA and matrix asphalt. In conclusion, DFGDA can be utilized as a novel filler in asphalt pavement materials.

Aging Resistance Evaluation of an Asphalt Mixture Modified with Zinc Oxide

The phenomenon of the oxidation and aging of asphalt binders affects the strength and durability of asphalt mixtures in pavements. Several studies are trying to improve the resistance to this phenomenon by modifying the properties of the binders with nano-particles. One material that shows promise in this field is zinc oxide (ZnO), especially in improving ultraviolet (UV) aging resistance. Few studies have evaluated the effect of these nano-particles on the thermo-oxidative resistance of asphalt binders, and, on hot-mix asphalt (HMA), studies are even more scarce and limited. Therefore, in the present study, the resistance to thermo-oxidative aging of an HMA manufactured with an asphalt binder modified with ZnO was evaluated. An asphalt cement (AC 60–70) was initially modified with 0, 1, 3, 5, 7.5, and 10% ZnO (percentage by weight of asphalt binder; ZnO/AC in wt%), and then exposed to aging in Rolling Thin-Film Oven tests (RTFOT) and a Pressure Aging Vessel (PAV). Penetration, viscosity, and softening point tests were performed on these binders, and aging indices were calculated and evaluated. Samples of HMAs were then manufactured using these binders and designed by the Marshall method, determining the optimum asphalt binder content (OAC) and the optimum ZnO/AC ratio. Control (unmodified) and modified HMA were subjected to short-term oven aging (STOA) and long-term oven aging (LTOA) procedures. Marshall, Indirect Tensile Strength (ITS), and resilient modulus (RM) tests were performed on these mixtures. LTOA/STOA results of the parameters measured in these tests were used as aging indices. In this study, ZnO was shown to increase the thermo-oxidative aging resistance of the asphalt binder and HMA. It also contributed to an increase in the resistance under monotonic loading in the Marshall and ITS tests, and under repeated loading in RM test. Likewise, it contributed to a slightly increasing resistance to moisture damage. The best performance is achieved using ZnO/AC = 5 wt%.

Use of Waste Rubber Material as Crumb on Road Construction

Abstract: The growth rate of vehicles is the backbone of economic development of any country. India is the second fast growing automobile industry in the world. In today’s era, solid waste management is the thrust area. On the other side, the traffic intensity is also increasing. As a result, amount of waste tyres is also increasing. The increasing consumption of waste tire has generated many problems such as increasing landfill space, environmental pollution and causing health hazards. Parallel to this is the increasing of roads construction because of heavy traffic on roads. This study reviews to the use of crumb rubber (waste tires in powder form) in bitumen using the wet process. The study focuses on the crumb rubber as a replacement to the total weight of bitumen. The design or life span for all highways and urban roads is 10 – 20 years. Unfortunately, damages or distresses on pavements are still occurring before reaching the maximum period of the designed road serviceability. Among the major influencing factor that is contributing to this distress is the repeated heavy traffic loading on the road surfaces. Moreover, the use of waste crumb rubber in road construction as a pavement surface has a better skid resistance, fatigue crack resistance and increased rut resistance. The review includes physical tests that are used to determine the physical properties of bitumen and modified crumb rubber mix. The physical tests involve penetration test, softening point test, and ductility test. The expectations from the study are to develop bitumen with waste crumb rubber that would minimize the costs of bitumen and providing better physical properties compared to the convention bitumen based on the tests that was conducted.

Investigation on One-Component Waterborne Epoxy Emulsified Asphalt (OWEEA) Used as Bonding Material

Due to the issue of weakened adhesion between ultra-thin surface overlays, higher demands have been placed on bonding layer materials in practical engineering. This study proposed a method for preparing a one-component waterborne epoxy resin-modified emulsified asphalt (OWEEA) and explored the impact of different ratios on its performance. The basic physical and mechanical properties of the OWEEA, as well as its rheological characteristics, were investigated through penetration tests, softening point tests, ductility tests, tensile tests, and dynamic shear rheological tests. Pull-out tests and shear tests considering different substrates were used to evaluate the interfacial bonding performance of the OWEEA as a bonding layer material, and comparative analysis was conducted with conventional waterborne epoxy resin-modified emulsified asphalt. Based on microscopic testing and analysis, the laws of physical and chemical changes and secondary curing characteristics of the one-component waterborne epoxy emulsion (OWE) during the modification of emulsified asphalt were elucidated. The results indicated that the OWE prepared in this study significantly enhanced the tensile strength and bonding properties of emulsified asphalt. The results showed that the tensile strength, bonding strength, and shear strength of the OWEEA increased from 0.15 MPa, 0.36 MPa, and 0.35 MPa to 0.55 MPa, 1.29 MPa, and 2.01 MPa, respectively. The modification effect of the OWEEA surpassed that of conventional waterborne epoxy emulsion, albeit with a certain reduction in elongation at break, reduced from 1551% to 98%. Furthermore, the OWEEA showed a distinct secondary curing phenomenon. The results of the SEM tests showed that high temperatures accelerated the formation of the crosslinked network structure of OWE, promoting its integration with emulsified asphalt and resulting in a more uniform and dense structure, significantly enhancing bonding strength in a short period. In the actual road construction process, laying hot-mix asphalt mixtures on the bonding layer can further enhance its curing effect and improve its bonding performance.

Softening Point Test of Dammar Gum Using Various Softening Point Methods

Softening Point Test of Dammar Gum Using Various Softening Point Methods

Innovative Integration of Recycled Plastics for Flexible Pavement Design

Plastic waste is a major problem due to its non-biodegradable nature. Incorporating recycled plastic in road construction enhances mechanical properties effectively. This paper encompasses methods to solve two major issues in Nepal, largely focused in major cities of Nepal: primarily, the management of solid waste, specifically with consideration of used plastics which have engulfed main cities; secondarily, the development of potholes on roads due to heavy traffic weight and some environmental factors such as excessive precipitation and infiltration, flooding conditions. This study inspects the effect of combining waste thermoplastic polymers like High-density polyethylene (HDPE), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), and Polypropylene (PP) in flexible pavement design, at various plastic compositions. The plastics were grinded and mixed with the bitumen at a temperature range of 160 °C–170 °C. Various tests such as the Marshall Stability test, Penetration test, Ductility test, and, Softening Point test were carried out to find the resulting modifications from base bitumen. It was observed that the plastic mixed sample upto 10% by weight shows sufficient mechanical properties of pavements. Being a cheap and effective way of improving the capacity of flexible pavement, It is one of the alternative ways to use plastic waste.

Formulation and evaluation of antibacterial herbal deodorant stick

Deodorant products inhibit the growth and activity of bacteria that degrade the apocrine gland in the armpit. Despite their effective antibacterial properties, common antibacterial agents such as triclosan and aluminum salts increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease, breast and prostate cancer, and contact dermatitis. As a consequence, plant extracts with antibacterial properties are useful. This research study was carried out by opting the Sunflower wax, Virgin coconut oil, Rosemary oil & Lavender oil. Rosemary oil & Lavender oil are reported to possess antibacterial activity. Herbal deodorant sticks were prepared and characterized for physical observations, pH measurement, softening point test (Softening time), breaking load test (Breaking point test), spreadability, stability test and antibacterial study. The prepared sticks were also compared with two different Marketed Deodorant Sticks. The result data shows that prepared herbal deodorant stick is equally stable in comparison with marketed deodorant sticks and has shown significantly comparable antibacterial effect.

Asphalt Modification with LDPE Plastic Waste Treated with Glacidyl Methacrylate and Benzoyl Peroxide Initiator

The aim of this research is to determine the quality of the softening point test, penetration test and deactivation of modified asphalt from garfted LDPE plasticization waste. And for grafting treatment, use the internal mixer method where GMA and BPO are added to the grafting mixture. From the grafting results obtained, we carried out an FTIR test and identified a wave number of 1728/cm indicating the presence of the C-H or benzene functional group. This can be interpreted as a grafting process which can also be seen at the wave number 1730/cm. This can be interpreted as a grafting process from GMA to LDPE. And for the wave number at 2723/cm, there is a CH3 stetching from the LDPE chain backbone so that what is obtained is the LDPE-g-GMA spectrum. As for the TGA and DSC test results obtained, namely that in DSC the peak value of the number is at a temperature of 160.60 C and the value obtained from TGA is 373.13 C. And to find out the standard of modified asphalt from mixing asphalt with waste The value of the grafted plastic that we carried out was 65.23, for the penetration test it was 53.7 and for the deactivation test it was 55.46. This can be interpreted that all three are in accordance with the 2018 Bina Marga asphalt standards

Properties of Bitumen Modified with Nanoclay/Pet (Polyethylene Terephthalate) Blend

As the world continues to urbanize, the construction of transportation highway continuously requires quality pavement which made transportation engineers and experts focus on improving the performance and life of pavements, to which many studies had searched for better materials or modifications that could improve the properties of bitumen and reduce or even eliminate the development of asphalt pavement failures. To this end, the properties of bitumen modified with blend of PET + nanoclay was conducted. The bitumen was modified with PET (0.5 – 4.0% at 0.5% interval), and nanoclay (1.0 – 8.0% at 1% intervals), while the tests conducted on the materials were oxide composition test, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) test, penetration test, solubility test, ductility test, flash and fire point test, specific gravity test, softening point test, and viscosity test in accordance with codes and specification. Results from the findings showed that the unmodified bitumen and PET are hydrocarbon materials, while the nanoclay is an inorganic compound and a good reactive pozzolana. More results from the findings showed that the properties of bitumen was improved with addition of PET and nanoclay blend such that the penetration and solubility of bitumen decreases with increase in modifier content, and there was an increase in softening point, flash point, fire point, specific gravity, and viscosity of bitumen as replacement of PET and nanoclay blend increases. Hence, the modifiers (Nanoclay/PET blend) can be used to improve properties of bitumen since they fall within standard and code specification.

Research on Temperature Stability of Asphalt Based on Improved Softening Point Test

Abstract The softening point is one of the important indexes used to evaluate the high-temperature performance of asphalt. However, some modified asphalt softening points show irregular changes before and after aging, and the correlation with other high-temperature indexes is not high, which has been a concern for researchers. To this end, this work takes styrene-butadiene-styrene–modified asphalt as the research object and long- and short-term aging as the condition, through the improvement of softening point test and combined with the temperature-sensitive correlation, differential scanning calorimetry, and dynamic shear rheology tests, to explore the significance of improving the softening point test–related indicators to provide new ideas for the asphalt performance evaluation system.

Laboratory evaluation of properties of modified asphalt binder with different types of additives

This research aims to assess the properties of Polymer Modified Bitumen (PMB) binder prepared with different types of additives such as (Waste low density polyethylene (W-LDPE) and crumb rubbers (CR)and Styrene Butadiene Styrene (SBS)). Most of these additives are sustainable materials since it is derived from old scrap materials. All the above-mentioned materials (W-LDPE, CR and SBS) were added with percentages of (2, 4, and 6 percentage) of the weight of pure asphalt binder. Several tests were conducted to evaluated the properties of improved asphalt binder such as penetration test, Ductility test, Softening point test, Rotational viscosity test as well as thin-film oven test. The results of investigation revealed that, the using of different types of PMB significantly improved the physical properties and performance of asphalt. The using of sustainable waste materials such as W-LDPE and CR significantly improve the properties of PMB and contribute in recycling great amount of waste materials. Also, the results showed that the using of high percentage of SBS (6%) significantly increase the viscosity of asphalt binder and that can affect workability of Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) compared with same percentages of W-LDPE and CR).

Performance characterization of crumb rubber modified bitumen using pyrolyzed waste tyre treated bitumen

Exponential deterioration in pavement caused by heavy loads, temperature variations, and heavy rainfall had led to pavement failure. To overcome those failures, bitumen properties needed to be enhanced in an economical and sustainable way. Researchers have used various modifiers to enhance the properties of virgin bitumen, but the end product still does not seem to be accepted by the asphalt industry at the required level. On the other hand, the construction cost has also increased due to the addition of modifiers, which have varying performance characteristics. To address such issues, waste materials such as crumb rubber obtained from waste tyres are used to enhance the properties of bitumen. The incorporation of crumb rubber has enhanced the properties of bitumen and has been well proven for decades. However, the product is still not widely accepted due to limitations such as consistency and uniformity during and after the production stages. In this research, crumb rubber was converted into pyrolyzed oil using a pyrolysis protocol and it was observed through the values of penetration and softening point test shows that optimum 2% pyrolyzed oil can be treated with bitumen to increase workability and flowability at low temperatures, such that additional crumb rubber in crumb form can be added homogenously. The results showed that an optimum quantity of 20% crumb rubber by mass of bitumen can be blended with pyrolyzed modified bitumen that is 5% crumb rubber more compared to untreated modified crumb rubber bitumen, which simultaneously increases the physical and mechanical properties of the mix. It enhances the softening point, viscosity, and storage stability while decreasing the penetration value.

Study on the Effect and Mechanism of Different Snowmelt Agents on Asphalt

Abstract This article explores the effects of different types of snow-melting agents on the high-temperature performance, low-temperature performance, rheological properties, and creep properties of asphalt in order to better understand the mechanism of different types of snow-melting agents on asphalt. Chlorine salt snow-melting agent solution, nonchlorine salt snow-melting agent solution, and mixed snow-melting agent solution were prepared, respectively, and the erosion of asphalt was carried out by periodic immersion test method. Then, through the penetration test, ductility test, softening point test, dynamic shear rheological test, and multi-stress recovery creep test, the effects of different types of snow-melting agents on the high-temperature performance, low-temperature performance, rheological properties, and creep properties of asphalt were investigated. Finally, the mechanism of action of different types of snow-melting agents on asphalt was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry. The results show that the chloride snow-melting agent has the greatest influence on the high-temperature performance, low-temperature performance, rheological properties, and creep properties of asphalt, followed by the mixed snow-melting agent, and the nonchloride snow-melting agent has the least influence on the high-temperature performance, low-temperature performance, rheological properties, and creep properties of asphalt. From the macroscopic experiment, microscopic experiment, and mechanism analysis of this article, it is suggested that nonchlorine salt snow-melting agent should be used in snow removal on snowy road surface.

Improvements in Physical and Mechanical Properties of Asphalt by Addition of Low-cost Few-layers Graphene (FLG)

Physical and mechanical properties of asphalt have been improved by adding of few-layers graphene (FLG). FLG was obtained from a simple, low-cost and environmentally friendly liquid shear exfoliation method using a kitchen blender. The melted asphalt at temperature of 150oC was mixed with FLG at various concentrations (10 mg/ml, 20 mg/ml and 30 mg/ml) and contents (0 wt%, 3 wt%, 6 wt%, and 9 wt%) by weight of asphalt. The homogenized mixture was taken for penetration and softening point tests, while the mixing with aggregates was carried out for Marshall stability and asphalt concrete flow tests. The characteristics of void in mixture (VIM), void filled with asphalt (VFA), and void in mineral aggregate (VMA) were also investigated. The penetration values decreased (or the asphalt hardness increased) linearly with increasing of FLG concentration and FLG content. The softening point of asphalt increased as the increasing of FLG concentration and FLG content in asphalt with the average softening point increase of about 5%. The Marshall stability and asphalt concrete flow increased with increasing of FLG concentrations and FLG content. However, the addition of FLG did not affect the VIM, VFA or VMA values. Overall, the addition of FLG improves the physical and mechanical properties of asphalt and has promising prospects due to low-cost and eco-friendly nature of FLG.

E-waste infused bituminous mix for flexible pavements

This is a research and development project which involves experimental study of e-waste infused bituminous mix for flexible pavements. Non– hazardous and inert components of e-waste (Printed Circuit Boards) are used for this purpose. This is an effective and sustainable use of e-waste thereby reducing its effect on the environment. The project involves preparation of e-waste infused modified bitumen for the normal mix design used in India i.e. Dense Bituminous Macadam and its properties are analyzed. The aggregates collected are to be tested for the following properties: Specific gravity, Impact value, Flakiness index, Waster absorption. The modified bitumen is to be prepared by adding 2 % and 5% e-waste. The following tests are to be carried out for bitumen: Penetration Test, Specific Gravity Determination, Softening point Test, and Marshall Stability Value. The results of 2% and 5% e-waste infused bitumen are compared with the normal bitumen and the maximum dosage of e-waste to be added is to be determined.

Study on Physical Properties, Rheological Properties, and Self-Healing Properties of Epoxy Resin Modified Asphalt

To investigate the effects of epoxy resin at low content on the physical properties, rheological properties, and self-healing properties of asphalt, epoxy asphalts with epoxy resin contents of 2%, 5%, 10%, and 20% were prepared. The distribution of epoxy asphalt (EA) in epoxy resin (ER) was quantitatively studied by fluorescence microscopy (FM) to investigate the feasibility of the preparation process. The glass transition temperature of epoxy asphalt was quantitatively analyzed by the differential thermal analyzer (DSC). The physical properties of epoxy asphalt were characterized by penetration test, ductility test, and softening point test. The rheological properties of epoxy asphalt were analyzed by the dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) to evaluate the self-healing properties of epoxy asphalt. The results show that the epoxy resin could be uniformly distributed in the asphalt, as verified by fluorescence microscopy (FM). With the increase in epoxy resin content, the glass transition temperature of epoxy asphalt gradually decreases, and the epoxy asphalt with 20% content shows the lowest glass transition temperature. At the same time, epoxy resin gives asphalt a higher modulus and high temperature performance, and the penetration and softening point of epoxy asphalt has also been greatly improved. On the contrary, the three-dimensional cross-linked grid structure, which is formed by epoxy resin and curing agent, reduces the rheological properties of epoxy asphalt and increases the elastic components of epoxy asphalt. Although the maltenes diagram still exhibits typical viscoelastic characteristic, the flow behavior index and flow activation energy of epoxy asphalt decreased.