Adhesion characteristics of natural aggregate or slag with water based warm mix asphalt modified binder using surface free energy method

Moisture damage in asphalt mixtures is caused by the loss of cohesion within the binder or adhesion between the binder and natural aggregates or slags. The presence of moisture can influence the bonding between aggregates-binder and slags-binder, potentially affecting the moisture susceptibility of the asphalt mix. Therefore, understanding the bonding-debonding properties and moisture susceptibility of binders and mixes at the material selection stage is crucial. The Surface Free Energy (SFE) method, which quantifies moisture susceptibility using contact angle (CA) determination of the component materials, has been proven effective for this purpose.