Stirring speed effect on processing of modified asphalt with Sebs-G-Ma copolymer and sulfur

This study focuses on the improvement of the thermo-mechanical properties of AC-20 asphalt A by incorporating Polystyrene-block-poly(ethylene-ran-butylene)-block-polystyrene-graft-maleic anhydride (SEBSR) and sulfur (S). The effect of two different mixing speeds, 1000 and 1500 rpm, was investigated to understand how the size of the polymer particles impact the materials functions. The characterization of the samples was carried out by rheometry, specifically studying the G′, G′′, and tan δ. The results showed significant changes in the rheological properties of the modified asphalts at higher stirring speeds and in the presence of sulfur. With this modification in the process, a material can be obtained with the same proportion in the composition but with more convenient thermo-mechanical properties for the application. Graphical abstract