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Chemo-morphological evaluation of the blending behaviour of PMB and polymer-modified RAP binder
Isabeau Kokken1, Bowen Li2, Antonio Roberto1,3
1Sustainable Pavements and Asphalt Research (SuPAR), Faculty of Applied Engineering, University of Antwerp, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium.
Materials and Structures
|July 22, 2026
Summary
Recycling aged polymer-modified reclaimed asphalt pavement (PM-RAP) with fresh polymer-modified bitumen (PMB) involves physical blending, altering binder chemistry and morphology. Understanding these interactions is key for effective pavement recycling strategies.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Civil Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Polymer-modified reclaimed asphalt pavement (PM-RAP) offers a sustainable recycling option.
- Ageing and degradation of styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS)-modified binders in PM-RAP limit its reuse in surface layers.
- Understanding chemo-morphological blending is crucial for effective PM-RAP recycling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the blending behavior of aged PM-RAP binders with fresh polymer-modified bitumen (PMB).
- To analyze the chemical and morphological changes at different recycling ratios (30% and 60%).
- To assess the interaction mechanisms between aged and virgin SBS-modified binders.
Main Methods:
- Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for chemical characterization.
- SARA fractionation to analyze binder composition.
- Fluorescence microscopy for morphological analysis.
- Utilized three PMB sources and three corresponding PM-RAP sources.
Main Results:
- PM-RAP addition increased the ageing index and altered SBS signals.
- SARA analysis showed a shift towards higher resin and asphaltene content with increased PM-RAP.
- FTIR indicated SBS predominantly remained in the n-heptane-insoluble phase.
- Blending was primarily physical, with predictable composition based on experimental data (R² > 0.9).
- Fluorescence microscopy revealed reduced fluorescence intensity and polymer domain size.
Conclusions:
- The study elucidates the chemo-morphological interactions during PM-RAP recycling.
- Findings suggest physical blending is the primary mechanism.
- The predictability of blend composition supports targeted recycling strategies.
- Combined chemical and morphological analyses are essential for a comprehensive understanding.