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Updated: Aug 14, 2026
08:03
Advanced Self-Healing Asphalt Reinforced by Graphene Structures: An Atomistic Insight
Published on: May 31, 2022
Advances in Polyurethane-Modified Asphalt via the Prepolymer Method: Molecular Design, Modification Mechanisms,
Haoran Sheng1, Rui Ma2, Yiming Li2,3
1Aulin College, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China.
Polymers
|August 13, 2026
Summary
Polyurethane (PU) prepolymers enhance asphalt pavement durability by improving compatibility and processing. This review clarifies mechanisms for developing sustainable, long-life road materials.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Civil Engineering
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Asphalt pavements degrade over time, leading to costly maintenance.
- Polyurethane (PU) offers excellent mechanical properties and resistance to ageing.
- Incompatibility between PU and asphalt causes phase separation, limiting its use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the use of polyurethane prepolymers for asphalt modification.
- To clarify the relationship between material properties, processing, and pavement performance.
- To identify potential applications and future research directions for PU-modified asphalt.
Main Methods:
- Discussion of PU soft/hard segment structures and asphalt composition.
- Analysis of prepolymer synthesis, curing mechanisms, and microstructural evolution.
- Review of pavement performance, storage stability, and engineering applications.
Main Results:
- The prepolymer method improves PU-asphalt compatibility and processing control.
- Adjusting molecular weight and segment ratios optimizes performance.
- Understanding modification mechanisms is key to material development.
Conclusions:
- Polyurethane prepolymers offer a viable route to enhance asphalt pavement durability and longevity.
- Further research should focus on real-world conditions and multiscale evaluation.
- Optimized prepolymer design and processing can lead to scalable, low-carbon road materials.
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