Using Cereclor plasticizer to modify the virgin asphalt binder: A case of rheological properties improvement

The study was explored the rheological performance of asphalt modified by esterified Cereclor plasticizer. 5-thioisophthalic acid (SDA) was used to graft the Cereclor in this laboratory investigation. The penetration, softening point, ductility, and viscosity of Cereclor-modified asphalt binder were all examined. Besides, the rheological behavior and chemical composition of asphalt modified by Cereclor was tested [e.g. dynamic shear rheometer (DSR), bending beam rheometer (BBR), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), thin layer chromatography-flame ionization detection (TLC-FID), and fourier transform infrared (FTIR) tests]. The results showed that a Cereclor plasticizer can increase the viscous components and alleviate the stiffness of the virgin asphalt binder. The high content of light compounds in Cereclor balanced the chemical compounds of the virgin asphalt. Thus, the asphalt modified by Cereclor outperformed the virgin asphalt in terms of low-temperature cracking and fatigue resistance as well as anti-aging performance. However, FTIR results indicated that the aging properties of asphalt were not improved significantly by Cereclor with 8% concentration (by weight of virgin asphalt), due to the high proportion of the terminal chlorine atom, which is easily dehydrochlorinated. Moreover, when the Cereclor content was higher than 6%, Cereclor had less elevation on the anti-cracking capabilities of the modified asphalts. Therefore, Cereclor at a concentration of 6% was recommended for modifying the virgin asphalt binder to be used as a plasticizer in pavement construction.