Improved Storage Stability of LDPE/SBS Blends Modified Asphalts

Abstract

In this paper, Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) / Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS) blends prepared under high shear stress were used as asphalt modifiers. Compared to the asphalts modified by LDPE and SBS added directly, the blend modified asphalts showed much better storage stability in the presence of sulfur at high temperature. No visible phase separation was observed under an optical microscope at high temperature and the morphology analysis indicated that the phase structure of the LDPE/SBS blend modified asphalts was unchanged with time at high temperature. After storage at 163°Ê for 48h, the LDPE/SBS blend modified asphalts had no evidence of coalescence of polymer particles. The rheological properties of the asphalts were also improved by the addition of polymers in all cases.