Physical and High-Temperature Rheological Properties of PHEMA-Modified Bitumen

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of polymer 2 hydroxyethyl methacrylate (PHEMA) with different amounts (3%, 5%, and 7% by weight) on physical and high-temperature rheological properties of bitumen. The modified bitumen properties were evaluated by using optical and scanning electron microscopes, rolling thin film oven, pressure aging vessel, penetration degree, softening point, ductility, viscosity, and temperature sweep tests. The results showed that PHEMA was well dispersed in bitumen, and the samples were homogeneous mixtures. The difference in softening points of the top and the bottom of PHEMA-modified bitumen samples indicated that storage stability was acceptable. Also, the results showed that PHEMA increased the high-temperature performance grade and the permanent deformation resistance of pure bitumen.