The effect of Lucobit polymer on bitumen performance

Abstract

Asphalt has a short life cycle, failing mainly due to temperature changes, traffic load, and UV solar radiation. Therefore, the researchers have been seeking to improve the functional properties of bitumen and asphalt. For this reason, different materials have been used to modify these properties. One common way of increasing the performance of the bitumen is blending the asphalt with polymer modifiers (PMA). PMA has better mechanical properties and higher durability than the nonmodified asphalt. Polymers are divided into three general groups including elastomers, plastomers, and elastoplastomers. Styrene-butadiene-styrene is one of the most applicable polymers. In this study, Lucobit polymer, a polyolefin, has been used as the modifier of bitumen performance. The use of this polymer has improved both the classic (softening point, penetration, and so on) and performance properties of bitumen in comparison to the standard bitumen. © 2016 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.