Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 27, 2026

Designed for Molecular Recycling: A Lignin-Derived Semi-aromatic Biobased Polymer
Published on: November 30, 2020
Modification and Recycling Complexity of the Bitumen Modified with SBS Polymer-A Review
Joanna Szołtysik1, Wojciech Sorociak1, Sławomir Kwiecień1
1Faculty of Civil Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland.
Abstract:
This paper presents a comprehensive review of bituminous binder modification using Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS) copolymer. Bitumen is one of the most widely used binder types in road engineering, and its modification has been extensively studied to enhance performance characteristics. The review outlines the historical development of bitumen modification, discusses binder structural models, and examines the influence of SBS on binder properties. The review focuses on ageing process of Polymer-Modified Bitumen (PMB) and Highly Modified Bitumen (HiMA). The complexity of binder's origin, polymer structure, ageing factors and the presence of cross-linking agents or other compounds creates significant challenges in predicting binder performance after technological and exploitation ageing. This uncertainty directly affects the assessment of long-term durability and recycling potential. Therefore, it is relevant to incorporate a broader range of ageing factors into standardized laboratory testing procedures to develop effective rejuvenation strategies for SBS-modified PMBs.
Related Concept Videos
Polymer Classification: Architecture
Bioplastics
Microbial Bioremediation of Plastics
Step-Growth Polymerization: Overview
Many natural and synthetic polymers are produced by...
Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution: Sulfonation of Benzene
Molecular Weight of Step-Growth Polymers
As the step-growth polymerization involves step-wise condensation of monomers, the molecular weight also builds up eventually. Consequently, high molecular weight polymers are obtained at the late stages of the polymerization, where 99% of monomers have been consumed.
The extent of the...

