In a bid to bolster the performance of modified asphalt, researchers have developed a composite system that enhances both thermal regulation and rheological properties. This innovation, spearheaded by Tao Liu from the Transportation Institute at Inner Mongolia University and Dalian Maritime University, could have significant implications for road engineering and maritime sectors, particularly in extreme temperature environments.
The study, published in the journal “Case Studies in Construction Materials” (translated from English), focuses on the interfacial behavior of styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) in polyurethane solid-solid phase change (PUSSP) modified asphalt. The researchers found that incorporating PUSSP into asphalt significantly improves its thermoregulation capacity. As Liu explains, “The thermoregulation performance of PUSSP-modified asphalt significantly improves with increasing PUSSP content. During the heating phase, ΔtP-B and ΔTP-B for 10 wt% PUSSP-modified asphalt increased by 54.4 % and 65.5 %, respectively, compared with 5 wt% PUSSP.”
While PUSSP-modified asphalt shows superior rutting resistance at high temperatures, its low-temperature creep resistance is inferior to conventional asphalt. However, the researchers discovered that combining PUSSP with SBS creates a synergistic effect that enhances both high and low-temperature rheological properties. This composite achieves a Performance Grade (PG) classification of 82–22, indicating excellent performance across a wide temperature range.
The improved performance is attributed to the SBS-induced cross-linking network, which strengthens interfacial bonding and enhances compatibility, micro-elasticity, and crack resistance. As Liu notes, “The cooperative PUSSP–SBS interfacial mechanism achieves a balanced enhancement of rheological and thermoregulatory properties.”
For the maritime sector, this research opens up opportunities for developing advanced pavement materials that can withstand extreme temperature variations. Ports and harbors, which often experience harsh weather conditions, could benefit from these enhanced asphalt materials, leading to more durable and safer surfaces for both vehicles and pedestrians.
Moreover, the improved thermoregulation properties could be particularly useful for cold storage facilities near ports, ensuring that perishable goods remain at optimal temperatures during transit and storage. The enhanced rheological properties also mean that these modified asphalt materials can better withstand the heavy loads and frequent movements typical of maritime environments.
In summary, this research provides a feasible modification strategy for developing multifunctional asphalt materials, offering meaningful guidance for improving pavement performance in temperature-extreme service environments. As the maritime industry continues to seek innovative solutions to enhance infrastructure resilience, these findings could play a crucial role in shaping the future of port and harbor engineering.