AUSTROADS TEST METHOD ATM 102 [AGPT/T102]

Protocol for Handling Modified Binders in

Preparation for Laboratory Testing

Commentary
Preface
This modified binder handling protocol was prepared by the
Bituminous Surfacings Working Group (BSWG) working on
behalf of the Austroads Pavements Task Force (PTF).
Representatives of Austroads, the Australian Road Research
Board (ARRB) and the Australian Asphalt Pavement
Association (AAPA) have been involved in the development
and review of this test method.
Contents
References ............................................. 2
Principle .................................................. 2
Definitions ............................................... 2
Equipment .............................................. 2
General .......................................... 2
Procedure ............................................... 3

Foreword General .......................................... 3

Modified binders (which typically comprise of bitumen blended
with synthetic polymers or crumb rubber) are heat-sensitive
materials which can undergo significant changes in test results
as a result of exposure to high temperatures for extended
periods. The modifier in some modified binders can also
separate out from the modified binder dispersion while the
binder is heated. Improper heating and mixing of samples can
therefore produce test results which may not be representative
of the original material.
This laboratory handling protocol minimises the changes that
occur in binder samples when they are heated prior to testing
so that the test results obtained are representative of the batch
or lot of the modified binder product which is being tested.
Scope
This method complements AS/NZS 2341.21 by setting out the
handling procedures for the testing of modified binders.
Amendment Record ...................................... 7
Sampling ....................................... 3
Modified Binder Samples Which
Contain Water................................ 3
Modified Binders Which Contain
Large Lumps of Modifier or a
Separate Layer of Modifier ............ 3
Sub-sampling of Modified Binders . 3
5.5.1 Hot Bulk Sample ................... 4
5.5.2 Cold Bulk Sample ................. 4
5.5.3 Handling of Modified Binder
Subsamples .......................... 4
Preparation of Modified Binder
Samples for Testing....................... 5
Hot Production Samples ................ 5
Reporting ................................................ 6

Further Development
This test method is a key component of laboratory best
practice for the testing of modified binders. Further
improvements will be introduced as they become available.

Safety Disclaimer
Warning: The use of this Austroads test method may involve
hazardous materials, operations and equipment. This
Austroads test method does not purport to address the safety
issues associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the
user of this Austroads test method to establish appropriate
work health and safety practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

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 Austroads Test Method ATM 102
Protocol for Handling Modified Binders in Preparation for Laboratory Testing

References
The following normative documents are referred to in this method and are required to perform the test:

Austroads Test Method

ATM 101 Method of sampling polymer modified binders, polymers and crumb rubber.

Australian/New Zealand Standard

AS/NZS 2341.21 Methods of testing bitumen and related roadmaking products, Method 21: Sample
preparation.

Principle
The objective of this protocol is to ensure that modified binder samples, when tested, are representative of
the product as sampled. To achieve this, samples need to undergo a minimum and controlled amount of
heating and adequate stirring, prior to being split into smaller subsamples or used for testing.

Definitions
Bulk sample: A sample of modified binder which is larger than that needed to conduct a series of tests.
Bulk samples typically have a volume greater than 1 L. Bulk samples with volumes of up to
20 L can be supplied to testing laboratories.

Modified binder: A binder which is typically a blend of bitumen with a synthetic polymer or crumb rubber
which generally shows superior road performance compared with an unmodified binder.

Sub-sampling: The process of splitting a bulk sample into smaller samples so that they are a suitable size
for testing. The standard sample size for modified binders is typically 1 L.

Equipment

General

The following items of equipment are required:

(a) Containers − such as metal tins and lids with suitable capacity. Other types of containers can also be
used (e.g. glass containers or beakers) as long as they are resistant to heating and do not react with
bitumen.
(b) Metal spatula − with a flat metal blade, suitable for the containers used.
(c) Fan-assisted oven – an oven in which the air is circulated by a fan. The oven shall be calibrated or
validated and capable of maintaining a temperature within ±5°C of the set temperature.

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 Austroads Test Method ATM 102
Protocol for Handling Modified Binders in Preparation for Laboratory Testing

Procedure

General

CAUTION: HOT MODIFIED BINDERS CAN CAUSE SERIOUS BURNS

Precautions to be taken when heating or handling hot modified binders include the following:
(a) Wearing of appropriate personal protective equipment.
(b) No ignition sources in close proximity.
(c) Care when heating binder samples which contain water.

Sampling

The original sample shall be obtained in accordance with ATM 101.

Note 1: Original samples include those taken from production, bulk storage, and transport tankers or during
transfer from or into these vessels.

Modified Binder Samples Which Contain Water

CAUTION: HEATING MODIFIED BINDERS CONTAMINATED WITH WATER PRESENTS ADDITIONAL

HAZARDS
Modified binders which contain small quantities of water may foam excessively and spatter or overflow the
sample containers. Modified binder samples should be checked for the presence of water prior to heating
using the method described for bitumen samples in AS/NZS 2341.21. If water is found to be present, or rust
is found on the inner surfaces of the sample container, then the water should be removed using the method
described for removing water from bitumen samples in AS/NZS 2341.21.

Note 2: If it is necessary to heat the modified binder in an oven to remove water, this heating time should not
be included as part of the maximum oven heating times listed in Section 5.5.2(b) and Section 5.6(b).

Modified Binders Which Contain Large Lumps of Modifier or a Separate Layer

of Modifier

This laboratory handling protocol involves heating modified binder samples for a minimum amount of time so
that they can be stirred freely with a spatula. After samples have been appropriately heated and stirred
following the procedures described in Sections 5.5.1, 5.5.2, 5.6 or 5.7, the samples shall be visually
inspected to determine if the modifier is evenly dispersed in the binder. The binder shall not be tested, or
used to produce subsamples, if the modifier is present as a separate layer in the binder, or the modifier is
present as large lumps which cannot be evenly distributed in the binder by stirring with a spatula.

Note 3: Crumb rubber modified binders typically contain crumb rubber particles which have sizes up to
several millimetres. Crumb rubber binders are able to be tested if the crumb rubber particles appear to be
evenly distributed in the binder using the heating and stirring protocols described in this test method.

Sub-sampling of Modified Binders

Bulk samples can be reduced into smaller sizes which are suitable for testing by either using hot bulk
samples or bulk samples which have been allowed to cool to ambient temperature (cold bulk samples).
Subsamples shall be prepared from hot and cold bulk samples using the methods described in Section 5.5.1
and Section 5.5.2, respectively.

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 Austroads Test Method ATM 102
Protocol for Handling Modified Binders in Preparation for Laboratory Testing

5.5.1 Hot Bulk Sample

(a) Set the fan-assisted oven to a temperature not exceeding 180°C taking into account the temperature
correction after calibration/validation.
(b) Place the hot bulk sample in the oven with the lid loose. Heat the sample for a maximum of
30 minutes.
(c) Remove the bulk sample from the oven and stir it with a spatula. If the sample can be stirred freely
and no unmelted lumps can be felt with the spatula, stir it thoroughly for 30 s without entraining air.
Visually inspect the sample to determine if the modifier is evenly distributed in the binder. If the
modifier is evenly dispersed, decant the bulk sample into subsamples using containers of the desired
size. Subsamples shall not be prepared from the bulk sample if the modifier is not evenly dispersed in
the binder (i.e. when the modifier is present as a separate layer in the binder, or when it is present as
large lumps which are not evenly dispersed in the binder) after heating and stirring.
(d) If the bulk sample is not sufficiently fluid to be stirred freely after initial heating, return the sample to the
oven for an additional 30 minutes with the lid loose and repeat the procedure described in
Section 5.5.1(c). Continue heating the bulk sample for 30-minute intervals and stir as described in
Section 5.5.1(c) until the sample can be stirred freely with the spatula. The bulk sample shall not be
heated for longer than the time listed in Section 5.5.2(b).

5.5.2 Cold Bulk Sample

(a) Set the fan-assisted oven to a temperature not exceeding 180°C taking into account the temperature
correction after calibration/validation.
(b) Remove the lid from the sample container and remove any rubber seal in the lid. Place the bulk
sample in the oven with the lid loose. Bulk samples shall be heated as follows:
1. For 1 L to 2 L samples, 3 h maximum
2. For 2 L to 3 L samples, 3.5 h maximum
3. For 3 L to 5 L samples, 4 h maximum
4. For 5 L to 20 L samples, 5 h maximum
Note 4: If the rubber seal is not removed from the lid of a bulk sample container it can melt during
heating and contaminate the sample.
(c) Occasionally remove the bulk sample from the oven and stir with a spatula to disperse any unmelted
material in the middle of the sample. Replace the lid loosely on the sample before returning it to the
oven.
(d) When the bulk sample can be stirred freely and no unmelted lumps can be felt with the spatula, stir it
thoroughly for 30 s without entraining air. Visually inspect the sample to determine if the modifier is
evenly distributed in the binder. If the modifier is evenly dispersed, decant the bulk sample into
subsamples using containers of the desired size.
(e) Subsamples shall not be prepared from the bulk sample if the modifier is not evenly dispersed in the
binder (i.e. visual inspection indicates the modifier is present as a separate layer in the binder, or the
modifier is present as large lumps which are not evenly dispersed in the binder) after heating and
stirring.

5.5.3 Handling of Modified Binder Subsamples

Modified binder subsamples produced using the methods described in Section 5.5.1 and Section 5.5.2 may
be reheated immediately after subsampling using the method described in Section 5.6. These subsamples
should be heated for the minimum amount of time required so that they can be stirred freely with the spatula.

Modified binder subsamples produced using the methods described in Section 5.5.1 and Section 5.5.2 may
also be allowed to cool and stored at ambient temperature until required for use. Subsamples shall be
heated prior to testing using the method described in Section 5.6.

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 Austroads Test Method ATM 102
Protocol for Handling Modified Binders in Preparation for Laboratory Testing

Preparation of Modified Binder Samples for Testing

Standard size (1 L) and smaller samples, as well as subsamples prepared by the methods described in
Section 5.5, shall be prepared for testing using the following method:
(a) Set the fan-assisted oven to a temperature not exceeding 180°C taking into account the temperature
correction after calibration/validation.
(b) Remove the lid from the sample container and place the sample in the oven with the lid loose.
Samples of 1 L or less shall not be heated for more than 2.5 h.
(c) Intermittently remove the sample from the oven and stir with a spatula to disperse any unmelted
material in the middle of the sample. Replace the lid loosely on the sample before returning it to the
oven.
(d) When the sample can be stirred freely and no unmelted lumps can be felt with the spatula, stir it
thoroughly for 30 s without entraining air. Visually inspect the sample to determine if the modifier is
evenly distributed in the binder. If the modifier is evenly dispersed, then fill the test equipment
according to the requirements of the test method.
(e) The sample shall not be tested if visual inspection indicates the modifier is present as a separate layer
in the binder, or the modifier is present as large lumps which are not evenly dispersed in the binder
after heating and stirring.
Note 5: If it is necessary to conduct a range of tests on a modified binder sample which cannot be
feasibly performed by pouring a single heated binder sample into test equipment, then standard size
(1 L), smaller samples and subsamples which have been prepared for testing using the method
described in Section 5.6, may be allowed to cool and then reheated one further time using the method
described in Section 5.6 prior to the binder being poured into test equipment. A new subsample of
binder should be used for testing if the initial binder sample has already been heated twice using the
method described in Section 5.6. Section 5.7(e) provides information on the number of times hot
production samples can be reheated prior to testing.

Hot Production Samples

Hot production samples shall be prepared for testing using the following method:
(a) Set the fan-assisted oven to a temperature not exceeding 180°C taking into account the temperature
correction after calibration/validation.
(b) Place the sample in the oven with the lid loose. Heat the sample for a maximum of 30 minutes.
(c) Remove the sample from the oven and stir it with a spatula. If the sample can be stirred freely and no
unmelted lumps can be felt with the spatula, then stir it thoroughly for 30 s without entraining air.
Visually inspect the sample to determine if the modifier is evenly distributed in the binder. If the
modifier is evenly dispersed, fill the test equipment according to the requirements of the test method.
The sample shall not be tested if visual inspection indicates the modifier is present as a separate layer
in the binder, or the modifier is present as large lumps which are not evenly dispersed in the binder,
after heating and stirring.
(d) If the sample is not sufficiently fluid to be stirred freely after initial heating, then return the sample to
the oven for an additional 30 minutes with the lid loose and repeat the procedure described in
Section 5.7(c). Continue heating the sample for 30-minute intervals and stir as described in
Section 5.7(c) until the sample can be stirred freely with the spatula. Samples of 1 L or less shall not
be heated for more than 2.5 h.
(e) Unused hot production samples can be allowed to cool and then be reheated one more time for
testing, if required, using the procedure described in Section 5.6.
(f) Where disputes arise between the manufacturer and user of the binder, test properties shall be
determined on binder samples after they have cooled to ambient temperature. Manufacturers testing
hot production samples using the method described in Section 5.7 shall ensure that relevant
specifications can also be met by testing samples which have cooled to ambient temperature and are
then reheated using the method described in Section 5.6.

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 Austroads Test Method ATM 102
Protocol for Handling Modified Binders in Preparation for Laboratory Testing

Reporting
The following information shall be reported if water is found to be present in the sample prior to heating
(Section 5.3) or it was not possible to produce binder subsamples or test the binder as the modifier was not
evenly distributed in the binder after heating and stirring (Section 5.5.1(c), 5.5.2(e), 5.6(e) or 5.7(c)):
(a) If water was present in the sample prior to heating and it was removed using the method described in
Section 5.3, then report the statement ‘Water present in original sample’.
(b) If visual inspection of a bulk sample indicated that the modifier was not evenly dispersed in the binder
after heating and stirring (Section 5.5.1(c) or 5.5.2(e)), then report the statement ‘Subsamples not
prepared as the modifier was not evenly distributed’.
(c) If visual inspection of a sample prepared for testing indicated that the modifier was not evenly
dispersed in the binder after heating and stirring (Section 5.6(e) or 5.7(c)), then report the statement
‘Binder not tested as the modifier was not evenly distributed’.

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 Austroads Test Method ATM 102
Protocol for Handling Modified Binders in Preparation for Laboratory Testing

Amendment Record

Amendment
Clauses amended Action1 Date
No.
1 Commentary Page New June 2005
Footer and header Format
Applied revised test method number Format
Applied new styles Format
2 Applied new test method numbers Substitution March 2006
Moved notes to the end of the method Format
3 Changes to Foreword and Scope Substitution October 2007
4 Extensive rewording throughout Substitution July 2008
5 Document re-formatted using new template Format February 2020
Safety Disclaimer added New
Safety precaution statement updated Substitution
References to hotplate method removed Removed
Sections relating to oven method updated Substitution
Reporting updated Substitution
Appendices removed Removed
6 Applied revised test method number Substitution July 2022
Updated references Substitution
Applied new styles Format

1Key

Format Change in format

Substitution Old clause removed and replaced with new clause

New Insertion of new clause

Removed Old clauses removed

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