Sulfur modification of polymers for use in asphalt binders

Abstract

In this study, Sulfur modification of polymers used in asphalt binders and road maintenance was achieved. For this purpose ethylene based copolymers namely EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) with different vinyl acetate content and melt indices have been used for the incorporation of sulfur in the polymer chain. The modification of the selected polymers was performed in a melt blender and the most favorable conditions for sulfur reactions were determined. Maximum incorporation of sulfur was achieved. The sulfur modified polymer (SMP) was then used with asphalt binder in asphalt concrete mixes (ACM). Rheology, thermal analysis by using Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC), and elemental analysis by using Oxidative Combustion were used to assess the polymer sulfurization. Standard ACM tests were also conducted. A sulfur modified polymer was developed to suit the Saudi asphalt. The modification procedure was developed for EVA family. A patent for this product was submitted to U.S. patent office.