Evaluation of Petroleum Resin in Rubberized Asphalt Binder

Abstract

The crumb rubber modified (CRM) binder was evaluated considering the general operating temperatures of high, intermediate, and low temperatures. CRM binders were produced with four different contents (0, 5, 10, and 15%) using the base asphalt binder (PG64-22). Then, they were artificially aged by a rolling thin-film oven (RTFO) and pressure aging vessel (PAV). Superpave binder tests using a rotational viscometer (RV), dynamic shear rheometer (DSR), and bending beam rheometer (BBR) was applied to characterize the performance of the original and aged binders. Multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR) tests were also performed for deeper rutting characterization. The results of this study are as follows: (1) the presence of PR increases the binder viscosity, (2) the integration of CRM greatly improved the rutting resistance of the binder, and it was found that PR also improved the rutting characteristics, and (3) it is observed that PR is detrimental to the cracking properties of CRM binders.

1. Introduction

As an ecofriendly construction material, crumb rubber modifier is widely applied to durable asphalt pavement. A huge amount of scrap tires (about 40 million tires) are disposed of in landfills in the United States [1]. The application of crumb rubber in asphalt pavement is already being used as an alternative method that solves these wasted tires. In addition, by adding crumb rubber, the stiffness and elasticity are increased at high temperatures to improve the rutting characteristics [2]. According to the previous studies [3,4], it enhances coating film on the mixture’s aggregate. Eventually, it extends the pavement life as a sustainable material. Consequently, blending crumb rubber with a base asphalt binder and applying it to pavement construction improve the durability of the road and has a positive effect on stiffness at low temperatures and noise from traffic [5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12].

Crumb rubber modified (CRM) binder has numerous advantages related to environment and pavement performance [13,14]. CRM binder has a different dispersion mechanism compared to other polymer modified asphalt (PMA) binders. It is not homogeneous, like a styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) PMA binder. Individual rubber particles are scattered in the binder and swell after absorbing the oil. Petroleum resin (PR) is one of the petroleum refining products from adhesives that use low-molecular-weight thermoplastic hydrocarbon resins [15]. According to the previous research [16], PR is sufficient for enhancing the compatibility of asphalt binder with a polymer additive. In this study, PR is incorporated into CRM asphalt binder to investigate its efficacy to improve the binder performances with better compatibility.

This study aims to evaluate the effect of PR in CRM asphalt binders. The rolling thin-film oven (RTFO) and pressure aging vessel (PAV) processes were utilized to produce aged binder samples. A set of Superpave binder tests were accomplished to evaluate the material at three aging states (original, short aging, and long aging). Furthermore, multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR) tests were used to effectively evaluate the permanent deformation properties. The experimental design is shown in Figure 1.

2. Experimental Design

2.1. Materials

In this study, performance grade (PG) 64-22 was used as the default binder.

Table 1. Properties of asphalt binder (PG 64-22).

Aging States	Test Properties	Test Result
Unaged Binder	Viscosity @ 135 °C (Pa-S)	0.531
	G*/sin δ @ 64 °C (Kpa)	1.415
RTFO Aged Residual	G*/sin δ @ 64 °C (Kpa)	2.531
Rtfo + Pav Aged Residual	G*sin δ @ 25 °C (Kpa)	2558
	Stiffness @ −12 °C (Mpa)	287
	M-Value @ −12 °C	0.307

shows the base binder properties.

Table 2. The gradation of crumb rubber used in this study.

Sieve No. (μm)	Ambient CRM
	% Cumulative Retained	% Cumulative Retained
30 (600)	0	0
40 (425)	91.0	9.0
50 (300)	59.1	40.9
80 (180)	26.2	73.8
100 (150)	18.6	81.4
200 (75)	0	100.0

shows the gradation of crumb rubber. The applied percentages of CRM were 5%, 10%, and 15% by weight of the base binder. CRM binder was produced with an open blade mixer at 177 °C for 30 min with 700 rpm, considering the modification mechanism of polymer additives. One batch of CRM is consumed to keep experiment consistency.

The C9 petroleum resin (PR) used in this study is shown in Figure 2. A total of 5% of C9 PR is added into CRM binders. C9 PR is a byproduct of the fractionation of C9 aromatics produced by steam crackers of petrochemicals to produce ethylene and propylene. C9 PR is considered to have the potential capability to improve the properties of asphalt binders. Therefore, it is expected that the performance and grade of CRM binders can be upgraded through the addition of PR. The following mixing conditions were used: 177 °C for 5 min by an open blade mixer at 700 rpm.

2.2. Superpave Binder Tests

The Superpave asphalt binder test is performed to characterize the binder performance in three stages of its life (in its original condition, after mixing and application, and after aging in use).

Viscosity test (AASHTO T 316), dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) test (AASHTO T 315), and bending beam rheometer (BBR) test (AASHTO T 313) are selected considering viscosity, rutting, and cracking properties. For each test, three replicated samples were produced and tested, and the average result was reported. Brookfield rotational viscometer measures the binder viscosity using a number 27 spindle at 135 °C. DSR test at a frequency of 10 radians per second, which is equal to approximately 1.59 Hz, was performed to determine the G*/sin δ of asphalt binders in the original state (unaged) and short-time aged state. Fatigue cracking properties of long-term aged binder (RTFO + PAV residual) were evaluated by measuring G*sin δ at intermediate temperature, 25 °C. Asphalt beams sample (125 × 6.35 × 12.7 mm) were made with a long-term aged binder (RTFO + PAV residual sample) to measure creep stiffness (S) at −12 °C performing a BBR test. Then, 100 g of weight was loaded on the asphalt binder beam supported at both ends, and the deflection of the center point was continuously measured.

2.3. Multiple Stress Creep Recovery (MSCR) Tests

The MSCR test of the rubberized asphalt binder was performed using the same DSR equipment.

This test was conducted following AASHTO TP 70 specifications at 76 °C. Tests were operated with short-term aged binder samples to be examined in creep and recovery at two stress levels: 0.1 and 3.2 kPa. The nonrecoverable creep compliance (J_nr) and percent recovery (%rec) are derived from the MSCR test analysis as the test results. As can be seen in Figure 3, each sample experiences creep loading and unloading cycles at stress levels for 1 and 9 s, respectively, with 10 cycles of loading applied at each stress level, 0.1 and 3.2 kPa. The MSCR test results, the nonrecoverable creep compliance (J_nr) and recovery rate (%rec) are calculated to quantify the rutting sensitivity of the asphalt binder. Nonrecoverable creep compliance (J_nr), determined by dividing the irreversible shear strain by the shear stress, is used to evaluate the rutting potential of an asphalt binder.

2.4. Statistical Analysis Method

Statistical analysis system (SAS) program was applied to perform the statistical analysis based on analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Fisher’s least significant difference (LSD) comparison with α = 0.05. LSD is defined as the observed difference between the two sample means required to declare the corresponding population means difference. ANOVA was conducted to find out if there were any significant differences between the sample means. In this analysis, the significance level was 0.95, indicating a 95% chance that each finding was true. LSD was calculated after using ANOVA to determine that there was a difference between the sample means. When the LSD was calculated, the mean of the samples of all pairs was compared. Population means were declared statistically different if the difference between the two sample means was greater than or equal to the LSD [17].

3. Results and Discussions

3.1. Rotational Viscosity

In order to determine the asphalt mixing temperature in the field, the viscosity of the binder must be measured first. This is because asphalt binders are intimately related to the ability to pump and coat aggregates in the plant. The viscosity test results measured at 135 °C are shown in Figure 4. According to the results, the addition of crumb rubber is effective in increasing the viscosity. In addition, all binder viscosity values show a proportionally increasing trend as CRM content increases. With a 5% increase in CRM percentage, the viscosity values are increased by approximately 50% on average. On the other hand, all asphalt binders containing 5% PR showed higher binder viscosity than those without PR. The viscosity is increased by 25% on average by the addition of the PR compared to the CRM binders without PR. In addition, as the CRM content increased, the CRM binder’s viscosity is increased due to the addition of PR. At 0% content, it is increased by 15%, whereas at 15% CRM content, the viscosity is increased by 30%, doubled. This result means that the higher the CRM binder’s absolute viscosity, the greater the effect of increasing the viscosity by adding PR. All viscosity results satisfied the maximum limit, 3000 cP, although it showed different values depending on both additives and contents.

The statistical significance of the viscosity with a function of CRM contents and PR is examined, and the results are shown in

Table 3. Statistical analysis results of the viscosity as a function of CRM content and addition of PR (α = 0.05).

Viscosity			CRM Content
			0%		5%		10%		15%
			PR0%	PR5%	PR0%	PR5%	PR0%	PR5%	PR0%	PR5%
CRM Content	0%	PR0%	-	0	1	1	1	1	1	1
		PR5%		-	1	1	1	1	1	1
	5%	PR0%			-	1	1	1	1	1
		PR5%				-	1	1	1	1
	10%	PR0%					-	1	1	1
		PR5%						-	1	1
	15%	PR0%							-	1
		PR5%								-

0: nonsignificant, 1: significant.

. The CRM contents have a significant effect on the viscosity values. In addition, a statistically significant difference is observed with the addition of 5% PR. This means that there is a noticeable effect of increasing the viscosity by the CRM content and PR.

3.2. Rutting Property

3.2.1. Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) Test

According to the DSR test results, it is interpreted that the higher G*/sin δ, the stronger the binder is against permanent deformation at higher temperatures. G*/sin δ values of original and short-term aged CRM binders were measured at 76 °C. Figure 5 illustrates the test results for both original and short-term aged binders. First of all, it was found that the addition of CRM improves plastic deformation resistance. The value of G*/sin δ is increased as the amount of rubber added is increased, and the maximum value is observed in the binder containing 15% CRM. These results are common both before and after aging states. In addition, the addition of PR is expected to have a positive effect on the rutting property of the pavement. All of the modified asphalt binders, including the base binder, showed a higher G*/sin δ value than the binders without PR in the binders with 5% PR added before and after aging. These results indicate that both additives improved the plastic deformation resistance and are expected to be used with a PR rather than using only CRM to enhance the rutting property. On the other hand, from the additional amount of 10% or more, the minimum usable value (original = 1.0 kPa, short-term aged = 2.2 kPa) was passed.

The statistical analysis of the G*/sin δ value as a function of the addition of PR and CRM contents was investigated, and the results are shown in

Table 4. Statistical analysis results of the G*/sin δ as a function of CRM content and addition of PR (α = 0.05); (a) original, and (b) RTFO.

(a)
G*/sin δ Original			CRM Content
			0%		5%		10%		15%
			PR0%	PR5%	PR0%	PR5%	PR0%	PR5%	PR0%	PR5%
CRM Content	0%	PR0%	-	1	1	1	1	1	1	1
		PR5%		-	1	1	1	0	0	1
	5%	PR0%			-	1	1	1	1	1
		PR5%				-	0	1	1	1
	10%	PR0%					-	1	1	1
		PR5%						-	0	1
	15%	PR0%							-	1
		PR5%								-
(b)
G*/sin δ Short-Term Aged			CRM Content
			0%		5%		10%		15%
			PR0%	PR5%	PR0%	PR5%	PR0%	PR5%	PR0%	PR5%
CRM content	0%	PR0%	-	0	1	1	1	1	1	1
		PR5%		-	0	0	1	1	1	1
	5%	PR0%			-	0	1	1	1	1
		PR5%				-	1	1	1	1
	10%	PR0%					-	0	1	1
		PR5%						-	1	1
	15%	PR0%							-	1
		PR5%								-

0: nonsignificant, 1: significant.

. In general, the data illustrate that CRM content has a significant effect on significant G*/sin δ value in both aging states. The impact of the addition of PR was found to be statistically significant in the results before aging. Still, after aging, the results showed that the addition of 5% PR had no significant effect on the CRM binders except for the 15% CRM content.

3.2.2. Multiple Stress Creep Recovery (MSCR) Test

MSCR test was conducted to evaluate the more profound rutting property of CRM binders. MSCR test is the latest enhancement to the Superpave performance graded (PG) asphalt binder specification [18,19]. It is recommended to apply the MSCR test to evaluate the rutting property of PMA binders based on the creep and recovery. The original binder experiences the short-term aging process in the RTFO equipment to perform the test. Then, the same DSR equipment measuring the G*/sin δ is applied to carry out the MSCR test following AASHTO TP 70. The irrevocable creep compliance J_nr indicates the susceptibility of PMA binders to rutting at high temperatures. The delayed elastic response of the PMA binder can be represented as % recovery. Thus, high % recovery implies a considerable elastic component in asphalt binder. Figure 6a shows the change in creep compliance at the 3.2 kPa stress level and the recovery rate of the CRM binder with PR added at 76 °C. The addition of CRM reduced the J_nr value compared to the base binder without crumb rubber in Figure 6a. In addition, as the rubber content increases, the value decreases, meaning that the addition of rubber is considered to be effective in lowering the nonrecoverable portion of the binder. Not only the CRM but also the PR have the effect of improving plastic deformation properties as showing lower values compared to binders without PR. According to the %rec results, the higher the rubber content was, the higher the value was. However, unlike the J_nr results, the percentage of the elastic recovery potion due to the addition of PR was not clear. As some of the results showed relatively large standard deviations, it is considered that there might be an experimental error. Overall, the addition of CRM and PR is considered to have a positive effect on plastic deformation resistance based on the elasticity of the binder. In addition, the CRM 10%, including PE5% and all CRM 15%, satisfied the maximum J_nr value to be applied at 76 °C, meaning that other binders failed at this testing temperature considering the elastic property.

Table 5. Statistical analysis results of the J_nr as a function of CRM content and addition of PR (α = 0.05).

Jnr			CRM Content
			0%		5%		10%		15%
			PR0%	PR5%	PR0%	PR5%	PR0%	PR5%	PR0%	PR5%
CRM Content	0%	PR0%	-	0	1	0	1	1	1	1
		PR5%		-	0	0	1	1	1	1
	5%	PR0%			-	0	0	1	1	1
		PR5%				-	1	1	1	1
	10%	PR0%					-	0	1	1
		PR5%						-	1	1
	15%	PR0%							-	0
		PR5%								-

0: nonsignificant, 1: significant.

and

Table 6. Statistical analysis results of the %rec as a function of CRM content and addition of PR (α = 0.05).

%rec			CRM Content
			0%		5%		10%		15%
			PR0%	PR5%	PR0%	PR5%	PR0%	PR5%	PR0%	PR5%
CRM Content	0%	PR0%	-	0	0	0	0	1	1	1
		PR5%		-	0	0	0	0	1	1
	5%	PR0%			-	0	1	1	1	1
		PR5%				-	0	1	1	1
	10%	PR0%					-	0	1	1
		PR5%						-	1	1
	15%	PR0%							-	0
		PR5%								-

0: nonsignificant, 1: significant.

present analyzed statistical significance results of the MSCR as a function of additives content. In statistical analysis of J_nr, it is generally shown that there was significant difference by CRM content when compared with each binder types depending on existence of PR, meaning that the effect of CRM is significant on J_nr result. However, the results showed that the addition of PR has an insignificant difference in the J_nr value within each CRM content. According to the results of %rec, there is a statistically significant difference in general except for the CRM0% binder. In addition, all binders have insignificant difference depending on the addition of PR.

3.3. Cracking Property

3.3.1. Fatigue Cracking at Intermediate Temperature

In fatigue crack testing with DSR, a lower value is favored as it indicates better cracking resistance. Fatigue crack characteristics are identified based on the G*sin δ value. Figure 7 exhibits measured G*sin δ value of the long-term aged binders. It seems that the higher the CRM content, the lower the G*sin δ of CRM Binder. As the CRM content is increased by 5%, the G*sin δ value is decreased by approximately 10–15%. Regarding the effect of CRM content on G*sin δ, CRM binders produced at 15% are deemed to have the highest fatigue cracking resistance. However, the CRM binders modified with PR showed less cracking resistance. In each CRM content, the PR-added samples showed an average 80% increase in G*sin δ value. This indicates that the addition of PR into the CRM binder negatively affects fatigue cracking resistance. Therefore, all CRM binders containing PR showed a bigger G*sin δ value rather than 2000 kPa. It means that all binders except for the control CRM binders, including 10% and 15%, without the PR failed.

From ANOVA test results shown in

Table 7. Statistical analysis results of the G*sin δ as a function of CRM content and addition of PE (α = 0.05).

PAV			CRM Content
			0%		5%		10%		15%
			PR0%	PR5%	PR0%	PR5%	PR0%	PR5%	PR0%	PR5%
CRM Content	0%	PR0%	-	1	0	1	0	1	1	0
		PR5%		-	1	0	1	1	1	1
	5%	PR0%			-	1	0	1	0	1
		PR5%				-	1	1	1	1
	10%	PR0%					-	1	0	1
		PR5%						-	1	1
	15%	PR0%							-	1
		PR5%								-

0: nonsignificant, 1: significant.

, the statistical differences of G*sin δ as a function of CRM content is insignificant. Additionally, the difference depending on the PR was found to have a significant effect, at the 5% level, on G*sin δ of the CRM binders, meaning that the negative effect of PR to increase the G*sin δ values is statistically obvious.

3.3.2. Thermal Cracking Properties at Low Temperature

The creep stiffness is limited to up to 300 MPa to prevent thermal cracking. In addition, the possibility of low-temperature cracking is reduced when lower stiffness values reduce the tensile stress of the binder. The stiffness and m-value of the CRM binder containing PR were measured at −12 °C by the BBR test. Figure 8 and Figure 9 show the creep stiffness and m-value results, respectively. The stiffness of the CRM binder tends to decrease as the CRM content increases from 0% to 15%, which means that as the CRM content increases, the crack resistance of the binder is further improved. Additionally, CRM binders produced with PR generally exhibited higher stiffness than without PR. It is important that the addition of PR is inferior to low temperature cracking, as opposed to its rutting properties at high temperatures. The m-value results showed a similar trend. While the m-value does not seem to change significantly depending on the CRM content, it is found that all binders containing PR had a lower m-value than CRM binders without PR. It is doubtful that the addition of PR increases the brittle part of the asphalt binder. Even though the addition of PR negatively affects thermal cracking property, all binders represented a smaller stiffness value than 300 MPa of maximum value.

In general, the effect of CRM content on the stiffness value was significant at the 5% level (

Table 8. Statistical analysis results of the stiffness as a function of CRM content and addition of PR (α = 0.05).

Stiffness			CRM Contents
			0%		5%		10%		15%
			PR0%	PR5%	PR0%	PR5%	PR0%	PR5%	PR0%	PR5%
CRM Contents	0%	PR0%	-	1	1	1	1	0	1	0
		PR5%		-	1	1	1	1	1	1
	5%	PR0%			-	1	0	1	0	1
		PR5%				-	1	0	1	1
	10%	PR0%					-	1	0	1
		PR5%						-	1	1
	15%	PR0%							-	1
		PR5%								-

0: nonsignificant, 1: significant.

). In addition, the difference by the addition of PR was statistically significant within each CRM content. This result indicates that the double-opposite effect of CRM and PR is evident in impacting the stiffness of asphalt binder. The statistical analysis results of m-value are shown in

Table 9. Statistical analysis results of the m-value as a function of CRM content and addition of PR (α = 0.05).

m-Value			CRM Contents
			0%		5%		10%		15%
			PR0%	PR5%	PR0%	PR5%	PR0%	PR5%	PR0%	PR5%
CRM contents	0%	PR0%	-	1	0	1	0	1	0	1
		PR5%		-	1	0	1	0	1	0
	5%	PR0%			-	0	0	1	0	1
		PR5%				-	0	0	0	0
	10%	PR0%					-	1	0	0
		PR5%						-	1	0
	15%	PR0%							-	1
		PR5%								-

0: nonsignificant, 1: significant.

. The statistical results indicate that there were insignificant differences in m-values of CRM binders as a function of CRM content and PR.

4. Summary and Conclusions

Four different CRM contents (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%) were produced, and 5% PR is added into each CRM content to examine the effect of PR on CRM binder. An accelerated aging process (RTFO + PAV) was performed to produce artificially aged CRM binders. General performances of CRM binders with PR were evaluated using rotational viscometer, DSR, and BBR targeting viscosity, rutting, and cracking properties. The following conclusions were derived from these test results:

• The higher CRM content led to an increase in the viscosity at 135 °C. The use of PR also increased binder viscosity. This indicates that it is required to have high production temperature to manufacture the asphalt mixture including CRM and PR.
• As the CRM percentage increased and PR was added, the rutting characteristics of the CRM binder improved. The application of both additives is more effective in producing a sustainable binder that is less susceptible to rutting at high pavement temperatures.
• The higher CRM content is considered to have better rutting resistance regarding elastic property according to the MSCR test results. Addition of PR also significantly decreases the J_nr value. Although it does not clearly have a positive effect on recoverable portion of binder by PR, it is considered that PR is effective in improving the elastic property considering some potential experimental errors.
• From the fatigue cracking test results, it was shown that higher CRM content has better fatigue crack resistance. However, the addition of PR is critical for declining the cracking property.
• The higher the CRM content, the lower the stiffness; however, the CRM binder including PR had a lower resistance to low-temperature cracking than without PR.
• It is recommended to conduct a future study to evaluate the effect of PR using different PMA binder or different types of PR which minimize the negative effect of PR on the cracking property. In addition, further study with many other experimental factors, such as different producing methods and testing temperatures, is needed.