Styrene-butadiene Block Copolymers Research Articles

High thermal conductivity composite phase change material with Zn2+ metal organic gel and expanded graphite for battery thermal management

Phase change materials (PCMs) with promising potential thermal energy is stored and released much thermal energy during phase change process, which has greatly prospect in building energy conservation, waste heat recovery, energy storage, electrical vehicles (EVs) and other fields. Nevertheless, the low thermal conductivity and easy leakage of PCM is still a challenge to restrict its fasting development. Traditional supporting material is hard to reconcile antileakage and thermal conductivity of composite PCM (CPCM). Herein, the polyethylene glycol (PEG) with three-dimensional Zn2+ metal–organic gel (ZnHGL) as high-thermal conductivity support framework, styrene–butadiene–styrene block copolymer (SBS) and expanded graphite (EG) has been designed and prepared PZSE with high thermal conductivity, accompany with double transferring heat and supporting network structure. In contrast with pure PEG, the thermal conductivity of PZSE2 is increased by obvious 8.7 times when Zn2+ metal–organic gel and SBS with the proportion of 1:1, the mass maintenance rate and latent heat storage capacity are increased to 99.5 % and 103.64 J/g, respectively. Further, the thermal imaging camera indicate that PZSE2 exhibit a stable temperature-regulation property, which is benefited to extend the time to adjust the temperature. Additionally, the maximum temperature and temperature differential of the battery module with PZSE2 can be maintained within 60 °C and 6 °C, respectively, even at 1.5C discharge rate after ten cycling process. It indicates that the battery module with PZSE2 has optimum thermal management effect. Therefore, PZSE with metal–organic gel and EG can provide a promising candidate utilization in thermal regulation of EVs and energy storage.

Effects of Structurally Different Tertiary Amines on the Properties of Quaternized Anionic Exchange Membranes Potentially Applicable for Water Electrolysis.

In this work, two structurally different monoamines (trimethylamine [TMA] and N-methylpiperidine [N-MPip]) are used for the amination of a g-VBC-15 graft copolymer, obtained by the functionalization of a mechanically robust, commercially available styrene-butadiene block copolymer (SB) with vinylbenzyl chloride (VBC) via solution free-radical polymerization. Results demonstrate that g-VBC-15-based membranes quaternized with TMA have superior electrochemical performance than N-MPip counterparts; while, the mechanical properties are good and only slightly inferior to those of N-MPip. Therefore, TMA is the selected monoamine to be alternatively mixed with two polyamines (tetramethyl-1,3-propanediamine [TMPDA] and N,N,N',N'',N''-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine [PMDETA]) into different proportions, in order to modulate the average functionality of the amination mixture in terms of number of amine functional groups available for the quaternization reaction of the membranes. g-VBC-15-based membranes derived therefrom are extensively characterized to assess their thermal, mechanical, and ex situ electrochemical properties. Results indicate that membranes quaternized with a TMA/PMDETA mixture (90:10 in mole) display the highest conductivity among all the investigated membranes aminated with polyamine-based mixtures. Moreover, they have comparable mechanical and electrochemical properties to those quaternized with TMA, while exhibiting a reduced water uptake.

Self-healing performance and rheological properties of styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer modified asphalt promoted by polyurea elastomers containing disulfide bonds

Self-healing asphalt is considered as one of the desirable methods to extend the service life of asphalt pavement. This research prepared a polyurea elastomer containing dynamic disulfide bonds (PUA)/styrene butadiene styrene block copolymer (SBS) composite modified asphalt. Moreover, a new asphalt self-healing performance evaluation method based on the damage process and results has been proposed. Subsequently, the self-healing ability of PUA, the distribution of modifier, the functional group and molecular weight of composite modified asphalt were characterized by fluorescence microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The self-healing potential and limits of PUA/SBS composite modified asphalt was investigated through the proposed healing linear amplitude scanning (HLAS) test. Results show that the SBS content and fatigue load level are the main factors affecting the self-healing promotion effect of PUA. The critical point of healing fatigue strain (HFS) can indirectly characterize the threshold at which healing promoters exert their effects. Next, the addition of fillers will reduce the self-healing performance of PUA/SBS composite modified asphalt, but it still improves by at least 61.318% compared with SBS modified asphalt. Finally, the addition of self-healing elastomers (PUA) improves the permanent deformation resistance at high temperature and low-temperature crack resistance of SBS modified asphalt. The dynamic recombination of disulfide bonds can increase the fatigue cycle number of 4%SBS modified asphalt by 93.52% at a 5% load strain level.

Evaluation method of modification effect of direct-to-plant SBS modifier on asphalt

To accurately evaluate the modification effect of direct-to-plant styrene–butadiene–styrene block copolymer (SBS) modifier on asphalt, a collection method for direct-to-plant SBS-modified asphalt was proposed in this paper, the qualitative and quantitative evaluation index system was established, and the feasibility of quantitative evaluation based on fluorescence microscopy images and visual inspection of the mixing effect was evaluated, the feasibility of quantitative evaluation indicators was also verified based on the asphalt indicators, rheological properties, and asphalt mixtures's pavement performances. The research results indicate that based on fluorescence microscopy images, by observing the distribution and swelling state of direct-to-plant SBS modifiers can qualitatively evaluate the modification effect of direct-to-plant SBS modifiers on asphalt. Based on the visual inspection of the mixing effect, observe the size and quantity of unmelted particles, determine the melting state of the direct-to-plant SBS modifier, and its modification effect on asphalt can be qualitatively evaluated. For the same direct-to-plant SBS-modified asphalt, the percentage of rotation viscosity between direct-to-plant SBS-modified asphalt and traditional SBS-modified asphalt at 135 ℃ (DAη(135℃)) and discrete coefficient of 135 ℃ rotational viscosity of direct-to-plant SBS-modified asphalt (CVη(135℃)) exhibit a linear relationship with direct-to-plant SBS-modified asphalt's penetration, softening point, and ductility, the smaller the CVη(135℃), the greater the DAη(135℃). The smaller the CVη(135℃) (the larger the DAη(135℃)), the larger the dynamic shear modulus (G*), the smaller the phase angle (δ), and the larger the rutting factor (G*/sinδ) at the same scanning temperature. The relationship between CVη(135℃) (DAη(135℃)) and direct-to-plant SBS modifier on the main technical indicators and rheological performance indicators of asphalt is relatively stable. There is a clear relationship between CVη(135℃) (DAη(135℃)) and the high-temperature stability, low-temperature crack resistance, and water stability of direct-to-plant SBS-modified asphalt mixture, all of which show that as CVη(135℃) decreases (DAη(135℃) increases), the pavement performances improve.

Flame-Retardant GF-PSB/DOPO-POSS Composite with Low Dk/Df and High Thermal Stability for High-Frequency Copper Clad Applications.

In the field of high-frequency communications devices, there is an urgent need to develop high-performance copper clad laminates (CCLs) with low dielectric loss (Df) plus good flame retardancy and thermal stability. The hydrocarbon resin styrene-butadiene block copolymer (PSB) was modified with the flame-retardant 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide/polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (DOPO-POSS) to meet the demands of high-frequency and high-speed applications. The resulting DOPO-POSS-modified PSB was used as the resin matrix along with other additives to fabricate PSB/DOPO-POSS laminates. At a high-frequency of 10 GHz, the laminates containing 20 wt.% of DOPO-POSS and with a thickness of 0.09 mm exhibited a Df of 0.00328, which is much lower compared with the commercial PSB/PX-200 composite (Df: 0.00498) and the PSB without flame retardancy (Df: 0.00453). Afterwards, glass fiber cloth (GF) was used as a reinforcing material to manufacture GF-PSB/DOPO-POSS composite laminates with a thickness of 0.25 mm. The flame retardancy of GF-PSB/DOPO-POSS composite laminate reached vertical burning (UL-94) V-1 grade, and GF-PSB/DOPO-POSS exhibited higher thermal and dynamic mechanical properties than GF-PSB/PX-200. The results of a limited oxygen index (LOI) and self-extinguishing time tests also demonstrated the superior flame-retardant performance of DOPO-POSS compared with PX-200. The investigation indicates that GF-PSB/DOPO-POSS composite laminates have significant potential for use in fabricating a printed circuit board (PCB) for high-frequency and high-speed applications.

Study on the Performance and Modification Mechanism of Polyphosphoric Acid (PPA)/Styrene–Butadiene–Styrene (SBS) Composite Modified Asphalt

In order to address the high preparation cost of styrene–butadiene–styrene block copolymer (SBS) modified asphalt, four kinds of polyphosphoric acid (PPA) content (0%, 0.5%, 0.75%, and 1% PPA by weight of the matrix asphalt) were selected to prepare composite modified asphalt with better high-temperature performance. The physical properties of composite modified asphalt were evaluated by conventional performance tests. The rheological properties of composite modified asphalt were evaluated by dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) test and bending beam rheometer (BBR) test. The synergistic modification mechanism of PPA and SBS was revealed by the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy test. The results show that with the increase of PPA content, the penetration of PPA/SBS composite modified asphalt is reduced by 20.92%, 25.07% and 28.94%, respectively, compared with matrix asphalt, and the softening point is increased by 5.46%, 22.69% and 34.03%, respectively. In addition, PPA can improve the thermal oxidative aging resistance of asphalt. PPA can improve the shear resistance, high-temperature performance and temperature sensitivity of asphalt. At 82 °C, compared with SBS modified asphalt, the phase angle of PPA/SBS composite modified asphalt can be decreased by 8.63%, 13.23% and 19.24%, respectively, and G*/sinδ can be increased by 41.97%, 67.62% and 70.97%, respectively. SBS mainly exists in asphalt in the form of physical blending, and PPA has a new chemical reaction with asphalt, which increases the macromolecules and chain hydrocarbon components in asphalt, and the macroscopic performance is the improvement of high-temperature performance of asphalt. However, PPA has a negative effect on the low-temperature performance of the SBS modified asphalt.

Physical, Rheological, and Anti-Ultraviolet Aging Performance of Layered Double Hydroxides + Styrene Block Copolymer-Modified Asphalt Binders

To determine the preparation parameters of layered double hydroxides (LDHs) + styrene butadiene styrene block copolymer (SBS)-modified asphalt binders (MABs) in engineering applications and identify the structure of LDHs used in asphalt modification, this paper investigated the physical, rheological, and UV aging resistance of LDHs + SBS MABs under various preparation parameters. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and an ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer (UV-vis) were used to characterize the structure and UV resistance of LDHs and D-LDHs (dissolving from LDHs + SBS MABs). The mechanical properties of LDHs + SBS MABs were studied based on penetration, ductility, softening point, and rotational viscosity tests. The rheological performance and UV aging resistance of LDHs + SBS MABs were assessed using the bending beam rheometer (BBR) test, direct tensile test (DTT), dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) test, and FTIR. The results demonstrated that the crystal and chemical structures of LDHs remain unchanged before and after use in asphalt modification. The optimal preparation parameters of LDHs + SBS MABs were as follows: a preparation temperature of 170 °C, a shearing time of 60 min, and a shearing rate of 4000 r/min. The high-temperature performance of LDHs + SBS MABs improved significantly with LDHs added, and the low-temperature performance slightly decreased. The viscosity of LDHs + SBS MABs with 4 wt% LDHs at 135 °C was 1.920 Pa·s, which was 47.4% higher than that of SBS MABs. The DTT results indicated that SBS MABs have the highest fracture energy (FE) value of 4873 J/m2, showing the best low-temperature cracking resistance. In comparison, the FE values of MABs doped with 3 wt% and 4 wt% LDHs are 4518 J/m2 and 4248 J/m2, respectively, just 7.3% and 12.8% lower than that of ABs without LDHs. The complex modulus aging index (CMAI) of MABs doped with 4% LDHs is 14.3%, which is 15.9% lower than that of SBS MABs, indicating that the anti-ultraviolet aging performance of LDHs + SBS MABs has been improved. FTIR analysis demonstrated that the relative content of C=O (RCC) and S=O (RCS) of LDHs + SBS MABs decreased drastically compared with SBS MABs, indicating that the UV aging resistance of LDHs + SBS MABs was largely enhanced. Furthermore, the segregation test result of 3wt% LDHs + SBS-modified asphalt is 0.3 °C, showing the best compatibility with asphalt.

Self‐healing thermoplastic elastomeric blends of zinc‐ionomer and styrene–butadiene–styrene block copolymer and their characterization

AbstractWe report the development of novel self‐healing binary thermoplastic elastomeric blends of Zn2+‐neutralized poly[ethylene‐co‐(methacrylic acid)] (Zn‐ionomer) and styrene–butadiene–styrene block copolymer (SBS). Zn‐ionomer/SBS blends were prepared by the melt‐blending technique using a twin‐screw extruder with three mass ratios of 75/25, 50/50 and 25/75. Structure, phase morphology and thermal as well as tensile properties of the samples were characterized. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results indicated the presence of two types of polymeric materials and their interactions. Scanning electron microscopy images confirmed the miscibility of blend components which remarkably influenced the properties of the blends. The optimum peak degradation temperature of Zn‐ionomer/SBS (75/25 wt%) blend was observed to be 484 °C. The ratio of the tensile strength of the healed specimens to that of the original specimens was implemented to quantitatively evaluate the self‐healing efficiency of the materials. The self‐healing efficiencies were calculated to be 55.42%, 58.36% and 60.75% for Zn‐ionomer samples healed for 4, 8 and 16 h, respectively. All of the blend samples exhibited self‐healing behavior and the self‐healing efficiency was more than that of virgin Zn‐ionomer which may be credited to the high mobility of SBS segments in the blends. The healing efficiency was increased with an increase of SBS content in the blends and also heat energy facilitated the healing process. The self‐healing efficiencies of Zn‐ionomer/SBS (25/75 wt%) blend sample were calculated to be 75.09%, 80.27% and 80.87%, respectively, for 4, 8 and 16 h of healing time at 100 °C. A comparison of optical micrographs of the cut area of samples (before healing and after the healing process) was also made and self‐healing of the blend materials was observed. © 2023 Society of Industrial Chemistry.

Highly transparent antibacterial polystyrene/styrene‐butadiene block copolymer/polyhexamethylene guanidine composite

AbstractThe combination of transparency, antibacterial activity, and flexbility is of great importance for practical applications in industry. However, this remains a huge challenge to date. In this work, a ternary system of polystyrene (PS), styrene‐butadiene block copolymer (SBC), and polyhexamethylene guanidine (PHMG) is reported via a green melt blending method. Because of the excellent compatibility of the components, the elongation at break of the composite increased by 3.0%. The composite shows high optical transparency of 81.8% owing to the similar refractive index of PS, SBC, and PHMG. More importantly, the addition of 0.3 wt% PHMG endows the composite with splendid antibacterial property, which eliminates 99.9% of E. coli and restrains the formation of the biological membrane. The composite is expected to find promising applications in medical industry and electrical apparatus.

Study on aging mechanism of SBS/SBR compound-modified asphalt based on molecular dynamics

Abstract Component ratio change is considered to be the main reason leading to the deterioration of asphalt properties, but there are few studies on the aging mechanism from the perspective of modifier molecules. To reveal the aging mechanism of styrene–butadiene–styrene block copolymer (SBS)/styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) compound-modified asphalt, the micro mechanism in the aging process was studied by combining molecular dynamics (MD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). First, MD was used to establish the micro models of SBS/SBR compound-modified asphalt at different aging stages (non-aging, short-term aging, and long-term aging) and to verify its rationality. Second, the micro characteristics of the SBS/SBR compound-modified asphalt micro model, such as solubility parameters, diffusion coefficient, interface interaction energy, and radial distribution function, were analyzed by calculation. Finally, the FTIR results proved the rationality of the simulation and explained the aging mechanism of SBS/SBR compound-modified asphalt. The results show that the cohesiveness density and solubility parameters of SBS/SBR compound-modified asphalt increase, the diffusion coefficient decreases, and the molecular interface stability increases during the aging process. And, the carbonyl index, sulfoxide index, and aromatic ring index increased in different degrees after aging. The study explains the aging mechanism of SBS/SBR compound-modified asphalt from the perspective of modifier molecules and provides a theoretical basis for the research of asphalt anti-aging.

Evaluation on recycling effect of a novel rejuvenator combined with fresh asphalt on field-aged SBS modified asphalt by rheological and micro characteristics

Styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymers (SBS) modified asphalt has been the main binder applied in the surface course of high-grade asphalt pavement. However, as more and more pavements are entering into the maintenance period, a mass of waste SBS modified asphalt mixtures are produced. To effectively restore the performance of field-aged SBS modified asphalt (SBSMA), a novel rejuvenator (RA) combined with fresh SBSMA was used in this research. The rheological properties of recycled SBSMA were investigated using dynamic shear and bending beam rheometer tests, and the micro characteristics were characterized by fluorescence microscopy, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy and chemical composition tests. The results indicate that RA can lessen the aging behavior of recycled SBSMA from themolecularstructure, enhance the compatibility between SBS modifier and asphalt in recycled SBSMA. The combined utilization of RA and new SBSMA can effectively recover the high, intermediate and low temperature rheological properties of recycled SBSMA. Moreover, when the ratio of aged SBSMA with RA to new SBSMA is 0.45:1, the recycled SBSMA has the closest continuous performance grade to new SBSMA.

Effects of aging degradation and reactive reconstruction on the structure and properties of styrene–butadiene–styrene block copolymer

Achieving high-performance recycling of aged SBS modified asphalt will help promote the sustainable development of transportation infrastructure. The destruction of the SBS cross-linking network is an important reason for the deterioration of the performance of aged SBS modified asphalt. Scientific reconstruction of aged SBS cross-linked network is the key to achieving the performance recovery of aged modified asphalt. In this research, the evolution of chemical structure, molecular weight, thermodynamic properties, multiple stress creep recovery capability and rheological property of SBS during the process of aging degradation and reactive reconstruction were systematically investigated. The results showed that the molecular weight and creep recovery capability of SBS decreased sharply, and its complex modulus and phase angle exhibited a strong temperature and frequency dependence after aging. While the number average molecular weight of aged SBS increased by over 70% after reactive reconstruction, and its thermal-oxygen stability shown better performance as compared with that of fresh SBS. Meanwhile, the glass transition temperature of aged SBS was restored to −43.8℃ and −54.9℃ after reactive reconstructed by toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and isocyanate pre-polymer. Therefore, isocyanate pre-polymer with flexible long chain structure was more benefit for improving the low-temperature performance of reactive reconstructed aged SBS. Furthermore, the creep recovery ability and complex modulus of aged SBS were all significantly improved, and exhibited dramatically high-elastic properties after reactive reconstruction. And as compared with isocyanate pre-polymer, TDI with benzene ring rigid structure was more conducive to restoring the medium–high temperature rheological properties of aged SBS. Therefore, effective restoration of molecular weight and performance of aged SBS can be achieved by using reaction reconstruction method. This study would provide inspiration and ideas for the high-value recycling of waste polymer modified asphalt.

Cross-Linking, Morphology, and Physico-Mechanical Properties of GTR/SBS Blends: Dicumyl Peroxide vs. Sulfur System

In this work, ground tire rubber and styrene-butadiene block copolymer (GTR/SBS) blends at the ratio of 50/50 wt%, with the application of four different SBS copolymer grades (linear and radial) and two types of cross-linking agent (a sulfur-based system and dicumyl peroxide), were prepared by melt compounding. The rheological and cross-linking behavior, physico-mechanical parameters (i.e., tensile properties, abrasion resistance, hardness, swelling degree, and density), thermal stability, and morphology of the prepared materials were characterized. The results showed that the selected SBS copolymers improved the processability of the GTR/SBS blends without any noticeable effects on their cross-linking behavior-which, in turn, was influenced by the type of cross-linking agent used. On the other hand, it was observed that the tensile strength, elongation at break, and abrasion resistance of the GTR/SBS blends cured with the sulfur system (6.1-8.4 MPa, 184-283%, and 235-303 mm3, respectively) were better than those cross-linked by dicumyl peroxide (4.0-7.8 MPa, 80-165%, and 351-414 mm3, respectively). Furthermore, it was found that the SBS copolymers improved the thermal stability of GTR, while the increasing viscosity of the used SBS copolymer also enhanced the interfacial adhesion between the GTR and SBS copolymers, as confirmed by microstructure evaluation.

Morphology, chemical reaction mechanism, and cross-linking degree of asphalt binder modified by SBS block co-polymer

Recently, the batch production of styrene–butadienestyrene (SBS) modified asphalt has been realized, but quality control is still in the empirical stage. While the chemical reaction position and the cross-linking degree are unclear, affecting the controlling quality of SBS modified asphalt. Therefore, this study investigated the influence of the reaction conditions and the stabilizer content on the performance and morphology of the SBS modified asphalt. And whether the chemical reaction exists and the chemical reaction position were confirmed by preparing the polystyrene (PS) monomer, polybutadiene(PB) monomer, and SBS modified asphalt with and without stabilizer. Finally, the fluorescence microscope (FM) test, Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) test and the chemical titration method were used to characterize quantitatively the microstructure changes of SBS modified asphalt. The results show that the reaction conditions greatly influence the performance of SBS modified asphalt. After adding the stabilizer, the phase state of the system changed from the SBS phase as a dispersed phase and the asphalt phase as a continuous phase to the double continuous phase, and the network structure was formed. The chemical reaction has taken place in the PB and SBS modified asphalt, and the PB segment of the SBS polymer participates in the chemical reaction. Furthermore, the degree of cross-linking reaction of SBS modified asphalt is low, and the range of the cross-linking percentage is about 12.3%-14.5%.

MXene by regulating etching conditions enhanced UV resistance of SBS modified asphalt: Evaluating asphalt photo-oxidation and SBS degradation

The pursuit of improving the special properties of modified asphalt using advanced nanomaterials and understanding its mechanism based on material properties is highly attractive topic. In this study, four types of MXene (Ti3C2Tx) (prepared by adjusting the synthesis methods) were incorporated into styrene–butadienestyrene (SBS) block copolymer modified asphalt as ultraviolet (UV) aging resistant modifiers. The UV aging behaviors, such as asphalt photo-oxidation and SBS copolymer degradation, were evaluated by simulating UV aging of modified asphalts using indoor equipment. The chemical and rheological results showed that MXene incorporated modified asphalts had excellent high-temperature performance and rutting resistance. Furthermore, MXene incorporation significantly inhibited asphalt oxidation and SBS copolymer degradation. The underlying mechanism of these intriguing properties was found to be the few-layered structure and -F, -O surface end groups of MXene, which were the key factors responsible for the enhanced anti-UV aging performance of modified asphalt.

The Cellular Structure and Toughness of Hydrogenated Styrene-Butadiene Block Copolymer Reinforced Polypropylene Foams

Polypropylene nanocomposites containing varying amounts of Styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer (SEBS) were prepared through the supercritical nitrogen microcellular injection-molding process. Maleic anhydride (MAH)-grafted polypropylene (PP-g-MAH) copolymers were used as compatibilizers. The influence of SEBS content on the cell structure and toughness of the SEBS/PP composites was investigated. Upon the addition of SEBS, the differential scanning calorimeter tests revealed that the grain size of the composites decreased, and their toughness increased. The results of the rheological behavior tests showed that the melt viscosity of the composite increased, playing a role in enhancing the cell structure. With the addition of 20 wt% SEBS, the cell diameter decreased from 157 to 66.7 μm, leading to an improvement in the mechanical properties. Compared to pure PP material, the impact toughness of the composites rose by 410% with 20 wt% of SEBS. Microstructure images of the impact section displayed evident plastic deformation, effectively absorbing energy and improving the material's toughness. Furthermore, the composites exhibited a significant increase in toughness in the tensile test, with the foamed material's elongation at break being 960% higher than that of pure PP foamed material when the SEBS content was 20%.

Study on materials composition and process parameters of polyurethane-modified asphalt synthesized in-situ by the one-shot process

To improve the performance of ordinary road asphalt, and overcome the problems of poor thermal storage stability, easy segregation, and high preparation temperature of polymer-modified asphalt such as SBS (styrene–butadienestyrene block copolymer) or rubber powder. Polyurethane-modified asphalt (PUMA) was synthesized in-situ by the one-shot process with varying dosages of polyurethane (PU) raw materials (2.86 wt% ∼ 11.94 wt%) and isocyanate index R (–NCO/–OH) values (2, 3, 5, and 7) for a total of 12 samples, in this study. The material composition, development time, and modification mechanism of PUMA were analyzed using the approach of “macro performance + micro mechanism”. Firstly, the conventional properties, rotational viscosity, and rheological properties of PUMA samples were evaluated and compared to virgin asphalt. Secondly, under the optimal material composition scheme, the conventional performance and thermal storage stability differences between MOCA (3, 3′ -dichloro-4,4′ -diamino diphenyl methane) and BDO (1,4-butanediol) were compared. Comparing the performance of PUMA during the development times of 0 to 12 h, the oven temperature is 105 °C. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and fluorescence microscopy (FM) were used to analyze the chemical structure and spatial structure of PU in asphalt. The results indicate that: 1) the higher the R (–NCO/–OH), the higher the asphalt's high-temperature performance, elastic recovery performance, and viscosity, but the lower its low-temperature performance. 2) Under the same R (–NCO/–OH) condition, the increase in PU has little effect on the preceding performance. 3) MOCA is marginally superior to BDO in terms of high-temperature performance, whereas BDO has greater advantages in terms of low-temperature performance; compatibility is comparable. 4) At 105 °C, the performance continued to improve for 0 to 5 h, but after 5 to 12 h, the improvement was no longer noticeable. 5) Due to the reaction of the isocyanate group with the polyol and the active group in the asphalt, functional groups such as carbamate and urea are directly synthesized in the asphalt, allowing the PU molecular chain to expand and form a network structure within the asphalt. This procedure modifies the performance of the virgin asphalt. These findings not only improve our understanding of the effect of optimal material composition and development time on the properties of PUMA, but they also provide direction for future research.

Research on the synergistic modification effect and the interface mechanism of GO/SBS compound-modified asphalt based on experiments and molecular simulations

Although there have been reports showing the modification effect of carbon nanomaterials on asphalt, there are few studies on whether carbon nanomaterials and polymers can have synergistic modification effects on asphalt. At the same time, the complex composition of asphalt makes it difficult to determine the interface mechanism between the modifier and the asphalt. In this study, graphene oxide (GO) and styrene–butadiene–styrene block copolymer (SBS) were selected as modifiers. A combined experimental and molecular simulation research method was used to study the synergistic modification effect and the interface mechanism between the modifier and the asphalt. The results show that the modification effect of GO/SBS incorporated into asphalt is significantly superior to that of GO or SBS incorporated individually and GO/SBS has a synergistic modification effect. Although the binding strength between SBS and asphalt is weak, the GO surface (GO (0 0 1)) can simultaneously bind with SBS and asphalt, increasing the binding strength of SBS and asphalt as well as promoting the dispersion of SBS in asphalt, so that GO/SBS shows a synergistic modification effect and improves properties such as low-temperature ductility, rheology and storage stability at macroscopic level. Intercalated and exfoliated structure can be formed between GO side (GO (0 1 0)) and asphalt, which improves the anti-aging properties of the asphalt. Physical bonding is the main interface binding for GO/SBS compound-modified asphalt. GO bonds to asphalt or SBS by hydrogen bonds and there are only dispersion forces between SBS and asphalt, resulting in a higher binding strength between GO and asphalt or SBS than between SBS and asphalt.

Research on creep and thermal stability of asphalt under outdoor aging (NEA) in Tibetan areas

In order to explore the aging performance attenuation mechanism of 90# and SBS (styrene–butadiene–styrene block copolymer) modified asphalt under the large temperature difference and strong ultraviolet radiation in the Tibetan area, this paper adopts the outdoor natural exposure aging (NEA) condition in the Tibetan area. Scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis techniques were used to test and analyse the permanent deformation resistance and thermal stability of two asphalts with different aging times (0 month (0M), April (4M) and 8 months (8M)) to study the on-site aging mechanism of asphalt in Tibetan areas. The results show that with the prolongation of NEA time, the non-recoverable creep compliance, polymer area and glass transition temperature of the two asphalts decrease, while the average recovery rate and deformation temperature increase, and the aging degree gradually deepens. Under the special outdoor conditions in Tibetan areas, the permanent deformation resistance and thermal stability of SBS modified asphalt are better than 90# asphalt. The research results explored the aging and decay mechanism of the two asphalts from the macro and micro perspectives, which provided theoretical support for the research and development of anti-aging technology in Tibetan areas and guaranteeing the road performance of asphalt pavement in the whole life cycle.

Application of infrared spectroscopy in combination with chemometric algorithms for determining the presence of styrene-butadiene block copolymer in bitumen products

Application of infrared spectroscopy in combination with chemometric algorithms for determining the presence of styrene-butadiene block copolymer in bitumen products