The research for high-elastic modified asphalt

High-elastic modified (HEM) asphalt was prepared by the addition of styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS), plasticizer, and crosslinker to base asphalt. The effect and proportion of each modifier in asphalt were studied using physical and rheological tests. It was found that SBS determined the high-temperature performance of HEM asphalt mainly. Plasticizer (dioctyl phthalate) is very help- ful in improving the low-temperature flexibility and elastic recovery. Crosslinker (sulfur) is necessary in maintaining high- temperature stability. In this study, Fourier transform infrared, hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance analysis, and microscopy obser- vation were used to investigate the structural characteristics of modified asphalts further before and after ageing. The research showed the structural characteristics of modified asphalt were influenced evidently by ageing. V C 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42132.