Polymer Metal Salt Asphalt Mixture for Recycled Aggregate Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Asphalt-regenerated aggregates used in pavement construction suffer from degraded properties due to thermal history and ultraviolet exposure, leading to deteriorated durability and flexibility, and existing methods require curing with additives which complicate the process.
Innovation Solution
An asphalt mixture containing new asphalt, a polymer metal salt derived from an aromatic monomer with an acidic group, and asphalt-regenerated aggregates is formulated, enhancing dispersibility and improving durability and flexibility through n-n interaction and ionized acid anion repulsion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If asphalt-regenerated aggregate is used to reduce material cost and environmental impact, then sustainability and cost-effectiveness improve, but durability and flexibility deteriorate due to thermal history and ultraviolet exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specific polymer (with aromatic structural units and acidic groups) as an intermediary substance between the degraded asphalt binder and aggregate. This polymer mediates the interaction by forming strong n-π interactions with asphaltene molecules in the degraded binder, effectively bridging the gap created by thermal and UV damage. The polymer's acidic groups also form coordination bonds with metal ions in the aggregate, creating a new bonding network that compensates for the degraded original bonds.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite material system consisting of three components: degraded asphalt binder, specific polymer additive, and aggregate. The polymer acts as a modifying agent that forms a composite structure with the degraded binder, creating a new material with improved properties. The resulting composite asphalt mixture has enhanced durability and flexibility despite using regenerated aggregate, as the polymer-binder-composite restores and even improves upon the original material's performance.
2Ease of operation
If existing regeneration additives are used to improve workability, then mixing ease improves, but curing time and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a polymer with self-organizing capabilities that automatically forms the desired bonding network through its molecular structure. The aromatic structural units and acidic groups self-assemble via n-π interactions and coordination bonding without requiring external curing agents or additional processing steps. The polymer's inherent chemical structure enables it to spontaneously create the necessary bonds between binder and aggregate, eliminating the need for separate curing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the chemical parameters of the asphalt binder system by introducing a polymer with specific functional groups (aromatic units and acidic groups). This parameter change fundamentally alters the bonding mechanism from the degraded original state to a restored state, enabling immediate effective bonding without prolonged curing. The polymer's molecular weight, functional group density, and chemical composition are optimized to achieve rapid and effective binding.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The asphalt mixture provides superior pavement properties with enhanced durability and flexibility, demonstrated by improved Marshall stability and crack resistance, without the need for additional curing or additives.
Implementation Method 1
enhancing dispersibility and improving durability and flexibility through n-n interaction and ionized acid anion repulsion
Implementation Method 2
enhancing dispersibility and improving durability and flexibility through n-n interaction and ionized acid anion repulsion
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an asphalt mixture containing a new asphalt, the following polymer metal salt (P), and an asphalt-regenerated aggregate. The polymer metal salt (P) is a metal salt of a polymer having a structural unit derived from an aromatic monomer and having an acidic group.