Influence of epoxy resin polymer on recycled asphalt binder properties

Utilization of high-performance pavement materials with a high reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) content is gradually gaining importance given the impetus of green environmental policies. Epoxy resin polymer (EP) can greatly enhance the reuse of RAP materials in asphalt mixture. The influence of EP on the properties of aged asphalt binder was investigated wherein mechanical and chemical properties, and the micro-morphology of binders composed of aged asphalt binder and EP were also evaluated. EP significantly improved tensile, high-temperature, low-temperature, and fatigue properties of aged asphalt binder, and simultaneously reduced concentration of sulfoxide and carbonyl of aged asphalt binder. Increasing EP content reduced the impact of asphalt ageing degree on mechanical properties, micro-morphology, and chemical composition. Furthermore, the construction allowance time of the binder was increased with increasing EP content. At 40% EP content, an effective network structure was formed in the aged asphalt binder, leading to higher tensile elongation, high-temperature rheological properties, and fatigue life as compared to virgin asphalt binder. Meanwhile, low-temperature modulus and sulfoxide and carbonyl concentrations were lower than those of virgin asphalt binder. For application, a recommended EP content of 40% is suggested.