Evaluation of the Interaction and Aging Behavior for Asphalt Binders with Epoxy Resin and Phase Change Materials

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the interaction and antiaging characteristics of composite phase change materials in asphalt for long-term temperature adjustment of asphalt pavement. First, the epoxy resin/phase change materials (E-PCMs) modified asphalt binders were prepared by the melt blending method, and their microscopic, rheological, and temperature adjustment properties were tested. Finally, the long-term performance of the modified asphalt binders was evaluated by simulated aging. The results show that E-PCMs are well dispersed in the modified asphalt binders. E-PCMs can improve the temperature sensitivity and high-temperature stability of asphalt binders, and they could reduce the fluidity of asphalt molecules at high-temperature. The extreme temperature of the E-PCMs–modified asphalt binders can be reduced by 10.4°C and have an excellent temperature adjustment effect. The aged modified asphalt binders still have excellent temperature adjustment properties, and the survival rate of phase change enthalpy is 88%. E-PCMs could also prevent the oxidative aging of asphalt molecules and reduce the adverse effects of the photothermal environment on asphalt. It provides reference and basis for the large-scale promotion and application of temperature-adjusting pavement, which reduces the temperature disease of asphalt pavement and the near-surface thermal environment.