Improved properties of SBS‐modified asphalt with dynamic vulcanization

Storage‐stable styrene‐butadiene‐styrene triblock copolymer (SBS)‐modified asphalt was prepared by dynamic vulcanization. The vulcanization characteristics of the asphalt/SBS/sulfur blend were studied using a strain‐controlled rheometer. The vulcanization of SBS in the asphalt resulted in a marked increase in the torque of the blend. In addition, the vulcanization of a butadiene rubber (BR)/sulfur blend was significantly influenced by the addition of asphalt through a curemeter. The existence of asphalt can accelerate the vulcanization of BR/sulfur blend and reduce its reversion. The preparation process of storage‐stable SBS‐modified asphalt by dynamic vulcanization was identified by a plot of the electric current versus time. The addition of sulfur to the SBS‐modified asphalts resulted in the formation of chemically vulcanized network structures in the modified binders. The physical properties of the SBS‐modified asphalt containing sulfur were compared to those of the modified binders without sulfur. The storage stability of the SBS‐modified asphalt was effectively improved by the addition of sulfur. The rheological properties of the SBS‐modified asphalts before and after adding sulfur were characterized by using dynamic shear rheometry and a rotational viscometer. As indicated by the monitored morphology, the compatibility and high‐temperature storage stability of SBS‐modified asphalts were improved by the addition of sulfur.