Polymer-modified bitumen highly resistant to aging and deformation, and a method for its production

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of bituminous material compositions, more specifically to polymer-modified bitumen used in the production of asphalt mixtures intended for the construction of transportation infrastructure surfaces subjected to heavy traffic loads, climate change, and UV radiation. The objective of the invention is, taking into account the molecular weight of the polymer and the chemical composition and microstructure of the bitumen being modified, to create a polymer-modified bitumen that is most resistant to UV radiation and oxidation, the practical application of which would ensure the durability of the installed asphalt pavement and the entire road, resistance to the negative effects of climate change, and a reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The bitumen modification model used for this purpose combines the chemical composition of the road bitumen being modified with the type, molecular weight, and structural characteristics of the selected polymer, allowing for the prediction of the structure formed by the polymer in the binder and the final performance parameters, and the stages of the model include: selection of road bitumen based on its saturated hydrocarbon content; selection of the polymer and determination of its molecular weight and composition; preparation of the bitumen for modification; mixing in the polymer and modification; verification of dispersion using a smear test; and evaluation of the final product’s performance.