Effect of the active powder of discretely devulcanized rubber on bitumen properties at low temperatures

Introduction. In the article the use of powder elastomeric modifier capable of rapid breakdown into micro- and nanofragments upon contact with hot bitumen to improve the low-temperature properties of bitumen is presented. The indicators of resistance to cracking are determined by various methods and their dependence on the thermal history of the samples. Methods and Materials. At temperatures up to -36°C the oscillatory rheological tests (4-mm DSR test) of RTFO-aged samples of bitumen BND 60/90 and modified binder (MB) which contain the active powder of discretely devulcanized rubber (APDDR) produced by high-temperature shear-induced grinding from the crumb rubber of worn tires have been conducted. MB was prepared by mixing bitumen (3 min; 160°C and 600 rpm) with 12.5 wt.% APDDR. Results and Discussion. The effect of the test parameters on the rheological parameters has been studied. Structural transitions in bitumen and MB by methods of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and the cracking temperature of the same samples in static conditions in the ABCD test were detected. It is revealed: a decrease in the temperature of actual cracking of the MB sample compared to bitumen. Conclusion. It is shown that APDDR as a modifier affects the structure of bitumen and reduces the temperature sensitivity of bitumen to external influences.