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Influence of Temperature on the Chemical and Rheological Aging Kinetics of Corn Starch-Modified Bitumen
Paulina Rozpędowska1, Małgorzata Wójcik1, Mateusz Golda1
1Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Lublin University of Technology, Nadbystrzycka 40, 20-618 Lublin, Poland.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|August 13, 2026
Summary
Corn starch modifies bitumen aging, altering its rate and temperature dependence. The 4 wt.% corn starch binder showed the best balance of aging resistance and cost.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Sustainable Pavement Engineering
Background:
- Growing demand for sustainable bitumen modifiers drives interest in bio-based alternatives.
- Corn starch is explored as a potential bio-based modifier for paving-grade bitumen.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the influence of corn starch on the thermo-oxidative aging kinetics of paving-grade bitumen.
- Evaluate the effect of corn starch dosage and aging temperature on bitumen aging.
Main Methods:
- Laboratory aging of bitumen with 4, 6, and 8 wt.% corn starch at 100°C and 140°C for up to 120 hours.
- Analysis using dynamic viscosity, FTIR spectroscopy, and Multiple Stress Creep Recovery (MSCR) testing.
- Kinetic analysis of aging rates and activation energies.
Main Results:
- Corn starch significantly affected aging rate and temperature dependence, with effects varying by dosage and temperature.
- Increasing aging temperature accelerated viscosity growth 9-11 times.
- Apparent activation energies indicated altered temperature sensitivity for oxidation and structural changes.
Conclusions:
- Corn starch modifies bitumen aging kinetics rather than universally inhibiting degradation.
- The 4 wt.% corn starch formulation offered the most favorable balance of aging resistance, rheological performance, and production cost.
- Optimal performance is dependent on aging conditions and modifier dosage.
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