| Abstrakt: |
Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) have emerged as promising candidates for developing cost-effective asphalt materials with superior low-temperature performance, combining the attributes of vulcanized rubber with the processing ease of thermoplastics. In this study, a novel approach involved blending high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and natural rubber (NR) with and without compatibilizers (MA) as additives for modifying asphalt 60/70 at varying percentages (3%, 5%, 7%, and 10% wt/wt). The performance of polymer-modified asphalts (PMAs) was assessed through penetration index (PI), temperature susceptibility, shear stress/shear rate, dynamic viscosity, and mechanical properties under different conditions (air and water). The findings demonstrated that polymer addition to asphalt mitigates its thermal susceptibility, imparting increased elasticity. PMAs exhibited thixotropic behavior, high yield stress, excellent gunnability, and resistance to flow on vertical surfaces. Tensile shear strength in the blends increased with polymer content, with PE70/MA outperforming PE70. Both in water and air, PE70 and PE70/MA enhanced asphalt's mechanical properties, with air proving more effective. The optimal ratios for workability were identified as 7% and 5%. Notably, PMAs displayed higher tensile strength, indicating enhanced strain tolerance before failure (cracking). Moreover, the study highlighted the potential to evaluate asphalt mixture moisture susceptibility by comparing tensile strength under wet and dry conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
