j o u r n a l o f t r a f fi c a n d t r a n s p o r t a t i o n e n g i n e e r i n g ( e n g l i s h e d i t i o n ) 2 0 2 3 ; 1 0 ( 2 ) : 1 5 9 e1 8 4

Available online at www.sciencedirect.com

ScienceDirect

journal homepage: www.keaipublishing.com/jtte

Review Article

Review on laboratory preparation processes of polymer

modified asphalt binder

M.A. Dalhat a,*, Khaleel Al-Adham b

a
Transportation and Traffic Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University,
Dammam 31451, Saudi Arabia
b
Shibh Al-Jazira Contracting Company, Dammam 32257, Saudi Arabia

highlights graphical abstract

The laboratory preparation pro-

cesses of various modified asphalt
were summarized.

The optimal mixing conditions of
different asphalt modifiers were
documented.

Gap in the literature on the current
modification of asphalt binder was
discussed.

There is need for the standardiza-
tion of terms and processes in PMA
preparation.

article info abstract

Article history: Several previous studies have documented the progress in polymer modified asphalt
Received 16 June 2022 binder with respect to materials’ types and properties. However, limited or no effort was
Received in revised form made to document findings on the laboratory preparation practices of polymer modified
8 January 2023 asphalt binder. Full and clear disclosure of asphalt blend preparation method is necessary
Accepted 10 January 2023 for research continuity, reproducibility, and accurate adaptation by future studies for
Available online 27 March 2023 analogy and reliable conclusions. The laboratory preparation processes of various modified
asphalt binders have been reviewed in this study. Factors affecting the optimal mixing of
Keywords: asphalt-polymer blends were summarized. The optimal mixing conditions associated with
Pavement engineering different asphalt modifiers were documented. Gap in the literature on the current practice
Polymer modified asphalt for the preparation and reporting of various modified asphalt binder was discussed.
SBS Modifiers include styrene butadiene styrene (SBS), polyethylene (PE), waste tire rubber or
crumb rubber (CR), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), sulfur, polyphosphoric acid (PPA), epoxy,

* Corresponding author.
E-mail addresses: madalhat@iau.edu.sa, muhammadabdal@gmail.com (M.A. Dalhat), kaladham@sajco.com.sa, khaleel.aladham@
gmail.com (K. Al-Adham).
Peer review under responsibility of Periodical Offices of Chang'an University.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtte.2023.01.002
2095-7564/© 2023 Periodical Offices of Chang'an University. Publishing services by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of KeAi Communications Co.
Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
160 J. Traffic Transp. Eng. (Engl. Ed.) 2023; 10 (2): 159e184

PE polyurethane, nano-materials, etc. Currently, there is lack of modern innovative

Waste tire rubber approached in the preparation of modified asphalt towards better performance. There is no
clear standardized definition of term associated with asphalt binder preparation process.
Given the limited and common types of polymers utilized for the modification of asphalt
binder, it is possible to standardize the mixing procedure for several polymers. Doing so
could ease research continuity and facilitates accurate comparison of new studies with
earlier ones.
© 2023 Periodical Offices of Chang'an University. Publishing services by Elsevier B.V. on
behalf of KeAi Communications Co. Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-
ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

of any type of asphalt modifier can only be identified when

Abbreviations test samples are prepared at the optimum blending
conditions. As a result, the identification and documentation
CNT Carbon nanotube
of mixing process and variables that warrant best asphalt
CNF Carbon nano-fiber
performances is important. The lack of consolidated data
DHR Dual-Helical-Ribbon
base or reference highlighting the preferred mixing
HDPE High density polyethylene
procedure for various modified asphalt is a gap which needs
LDPE Low density polyethylene
to be filled. In addition, due to lack of sufficient literature on
min minutes
effect of different binder modification process, several
Mw Molecular weight
studies tend to make inconsistent analogy with previous
EVA Ethylene vinyl acetate
studies that adopt different mixing procedure. The objective
CR Crumb rubber
of this study is to review and document findings from past
G* Complex modulus
studies on the optimal mixing conditions and or general
d Phase angle
process for the preparation of various modified asphalt
OMMT Organo-montmorillonite (nano-clay)
binders.
PP Polypropylene
PE Polyethylene
PMA Polymer modified asphalt
2. Materials and method
SBS Styrene butadiene styrene
SBR Styrene butadiene rubber
Over 2000 articles on polymer modified asphalt binder from
rpm Revolution per minutes
the year 2000 to date were screened via summon unified
XRD X-ray diffraction
search. Only scholarly and peer-reviewed articles from Web of
WMAB Warm mix asphalt binder
Science, Scopus, PubMed, etc., were included in the search.
The methodology of these articles was studied, and additional
supporting articles that were provided as reference were also
checked. Articles that studied the effect of mixing variables on
1. Introduction the properties of modified asphalt binder were reviewed.
Studies that optimize the asphalt binder mixing conditions
Asphalt binder modification is responsible for the major ad- were also reviewed. Other studies that did not studied or
vances in the performance of flexible pavement. Proper optimized the asphalt mixing condition were considered in
modification of asphalt binder boost asphalt pavement per- documenting the general procedure used for polymer-asphalt
formance to withstand high traffic load and harsh service preparation, but only some were cited as example. Findings
conditions at a reasonable cost, without causing excessive from articles that studied and or optimized the asphalt binder
harm to the environment. Polymer modified asphalt has mixing condition have been well documented in this study.
proven to be the golden pavement material in the last five
decades and moving onwards. Studies on the various aspects
of polymer modified asphalt performances have been well 3. General steps in PMA preparation process
documented (Motamedi et al., 2021; Porto et al., 2019; Yildirim,
2007). However, little or no effort was made to document The general steps involved in preparing polymer-asphalt
findings on the laboratory preparation practices of polymer blend are summarized in Fig. 1. Not all of these steps are
modified asphalt binder. Documentation of past, current, necessary for all PMA studies, but all of the steps were
and potential future practice of preparing polymer modified observed in several PMA studies. Asphalt binder is first pre-
asphalt is critical for several reason. First, doing so will allow heated at high temperature (usually 160  C ± 20  C) until it is
for easier and wider adoption of best practices that will liquid. The preheating temperature could be the same as the
facilitate rapid and positive research advancement in mixing temperature (Fang et al., 2013; Kumar et al., 2020), or
polymer modification of asphalt. Secondly, the full potential below the mixing temperature (Vargas et al., 2013). The
 J. Traffic Transp. Eng. (Engl. Ed.) 2023; 10 (2): 159e184
Fig. 1 e Processes involved in shear-mixing of polymer and
asphalt binder.
mixing temperature varies according to the type of the
polymer. An appropriate amount of liquid asphalt is then
poured in to the mixing container. The container holding the
liquid asphalt is then placed in a mixing-environment such
as in hot oil-bath, on hot-plate, etc. The asphalt is then
continuously stirred until an equilibrium temperature is
reached. Appropriated amount of the polymer or modifier is
then added while mechanical stirring of the asphalt
continues for some time, so as to soften the polymer before
the high-shear mixing. Alternatively, the liquid asphalt and
the polymer are pre-soaked: asphalt-polymer blend is
casually mixed and stored without agitation for a period of
time at certain temperature before high-shear mixing
(Dalhat and Al-Abdul Wahhab, 2017; Fang et al., 2013). High-
shear mixing of the asphalt-polymer blend is carried out at
high temperature using high-shear mixers, for a specified
period of time. The shearing speed varies from 500 rpm
(Martı́nez-Estrada et al., 2010), 8000 rpm (Kumar et al., 2020),
up to 25,000 rpm (Wu et al., 2020). The mixing duration
varies according to the type of polymer, quantity and
number of additives, and it ranges from 30 min up to 5 h
(Tables 1e3) (de Carcer et al., 2014). The high-shear mixing is
necessary in order to provide a homogeneous asphalt-
polymer blend within a reasonable period of time. Some
studies adopt slow mixing at low speed “stirring” after high-
speed shearing to facilitate swelling of the polymer, or
before high-speed shearing to allow for the softening of the
polymer (Fang et al., 2013). Asphalt-polymer blend stirring is
usually carried out at stirring rate ranging between 100 and
500 rpm with a simple blade (Ameri et al., 2013; Dong et al.,
2016). Other studies subject the asphalt-polymer blend to
“post-soaking” after mixing at certain temperature without
agitation (Fang et al., 2014; Sienkiewicz et al., 2017). This is
to allow for additional polymer swelling and networking
before casting of test samples, and it simulates the asphalt
plant condition more accurately. Finally, prior to sample
testing of PMA, it is desired that the blend is checked to
ensure compatibility and sufficient dispersion of the
polymer in the asphalt matrix. As a result, careful analysis
and optimization of the mixing procedure is necessary to
prevent excessive oxidation, and ensure a homogeneous
polymer-asphalt blends.
One of the critical steps in the PMA preparation is the
evaluation of the blend compatibility and storage stability to
161
ensure best asphalt performance. The mixing conditions that
resulted in the best asphalt-polymer blend quality or inter-
action are considered optimum mixing conditions. These
mixing conditions are variables which include mixing tem-
perature, shearing speed, mixing duration, and sometimes
compatibilizer content. Different material properties such as
nature of the polymer (particle size of pellets or powder, etc.),
molecular weight of the polymer, and the grade/source of the
asphalt binder will require different mixing conditions to yield
an optimum asphalt-polymer blend.
3.1. Variables affecting optimal mixing of polymer-
asphalt blend
Fig. 2 illustrates typical relationship between mixing variables
for a given asphalt-polymer blend. The maximum mixing
temperature limit (Tmax) is necessary to prevent excessive
oxidation of asphalt binder. Mixing in nitrogen environment
(nitrogen-purging) can minimize oxidation-rate of the asphalt
(Xie et al., 2020). Some studies offset the effect of oxidation in
their analysis by subjecting the fresh (unmodified/control)
asphalt binder to similar mixing condition (Amir and Peyman,
2016; Lu et al., 1999). A maximum mixing temperature of
200  C was recommended for PE, SBS, PP, and CR modified
asphalt binders (Al-Dubabe et al., 1998). Sometimes, the
maximum blending temperature is determined based on the
degradation-temperature of the polymer in question. Mixing
at temperature lower than the melting point of the polymer
will not yield a homogeneous asphalt-polymer blend. As a
result, minimum mixing temperature greater than the
melting point of the polymer is usually adopted. Homogenous
blend is obtainable at any temperature between Tmax and
Tmin . But mixing at temperature closer to the maximum limit
will result in shorter required duration of blending (Gonza
lez
et al., 2012). Mixing at higher shear speed facilitates quick
polymer dispersion and results in shorter required time to
achieve homogeneous asphalt-polymer blend (Garcı́a-Morales
et al., 2007). But mixing at higher shear-speed could also lead
to more oxidation and or degradation of polymer network
(Larsen et al., 2009). Type of blade in the mixer is also another
factor that can influence the time needed to sufficiently
disperse the polymer in the asphalt matrix.
Fig. 2 e Temperature, time, shear-speed relationship for
optimal asphalt-polymer blending (note: T is temperature
of mixing, t is time required to achieve homogeneous
blend).
162 J. Traffic Transp. Eng. (Engl. Ed.) 2023; 10 (2): 159e184
3.2. Types of mixing blades
Various types of mixing blades were adopted for PMA prepa-
ration (Tables 2 and 3). Fig. 3 presents some typical blades
found in asphalt-polymer mixers. Numerous variations of
these designs are being utilized. The stator-rotor and the
saw-tooth blades are usually employed for high-shear
mixing, while the 2-blade impeller is typically used for low
shear mixing or stirring. The dual-helical ribbon was
recently reported to be used for low shear mixing of CR
modified asphalt (Medina et al., 2020). Its geometry was
designed to maintain uniform distribution of the CR
particles in the asphalt during mixing, so that the viscosity
of the blend can be accurately monitored while mixing.
Mixing a given asphalt-polymer blend with different blades
at the same conditions (speed, temperature, and duration)
will not yield equal level of asphalt-polymer blending.
Because even for the same blade-design, different size or
geometric setup can make a difference in the rheological
properties of asphalt-polymer blend. This was demonstrated
by studying the effect of gap between the rotor and stator on
viscosity of CR-modified asphalt (Gonza
lez et al., 2012). Yet
several studies on PMA failed to report the type of blade
utilized in their research. This is a huge obstacle to the
reproducibility of research, and could lead to inaccurate
result-comparison and wrong adaptation of mixing
conditions by other studies.
3.3. Tests for assessing the quality of polymer-asphalt
blends
Fluorescence microscopy is the most popular method
employed to check the morphology and compatibility of
asphalt-polymer blends (Dong et al., 2014; Vargas et al., 2013).
Quantitative parameters such as polymer distribution area
Fig. 3 e Mixer blades. (a) Stator-rotor blade (Kumar et al., 2020). (b) Dual helical ribbon blade (Medina et al., 2020). (c) 2-blade
impeller. (d) Saw-tooth disperser blade.
(Kang and Zhang, 2012; Sengoz and Isikyakar, 2008), and or
particle sized distribution of the dispersed polymer (Dong
et al., 2014), can be extracted from the micrographs using
image analysis software. The original digital image from the
fluorescence microscope is first binarized using Image-Pro-
Plus as shown in Fig. 4, before data processing. Some studies
utilized alternative approach to optimize the asphalt-
polymer mixing condition. This involves measuring a certain
rheological property of the polymer-asphalt blend at
increasing time interval, various temperatures, and or shear-
speed. Viscosity measure of the polymer-asphalt blend has
been used by several studies to optimize mixing conditions
(Dalhat and Al-Abdul Wahhab, 2017; Garcı́a-Morales et al.,
2007; Gonza
lez et al., 2012; Medina et al., 2020). Other studies
checked the storage stability (ASTM D7173) of the asphalt-
polymer blend as basis for accepting or optimizing mixing
condition (Fang et al., 2014; Tang et al., 2016). The ideal
approach should be to combine all of the aforementioned
methods (morphology/compatibility, rheology, and storage
stability). That is, optimum mixing condition is that which
yield compatible and a highly stable asphalt-polymer blend
with the best rheological performance.
X-ray diffraction (XRD) is proving very useful for assessing
the dispersion of nano-particles in modified asphalt binder.
The XRD pattern of the nano-modified asphalt has been used
to evaluate the interlayer spacing and structural state of the
nano-material in the asphalt matrix (Fang et al., 2015b; Leng
et al., 2019). The optimum mixing condition of nano-
modified asphalt can be established by studying the XRD
pattern of asphalt blends prepared under various mixing
condition. This was achieved by a previous study that
examined the effect of shear-speed on various properties of
nano-clay modified asphalt (Dehouche et al., 2016).
Currently, most studies on nano-modified asphalt binder
adopt mixing condition which result in some level of nano-
 J. Traffic Transp. Eng. (Engl. Ed.) 2023; 10 (2): 159e184
Fig. 4 e Fluorescence image of SBS modified asphalt £400. (a) Original. (b) Binary. (c) SBS particle size distribution plot (Dong
et al., 2014).
particle dispersion, but might not necessarily be the optimal
dispersed-state (Li et al., 2017a,b).
4. Uni-polymer modification of asphalt
binder
This section discussed how mixing conditions and other var-
iables affect the properties of asphalt blends containing
various single polymers. Both recommended and un-recom-
mended practices were highlighted. Optimal mixing condition
for several modified asphalt blends was documented and
summarized.
4.1. Styrene-butadiene-X (SBS/SBR) asphalt blends
Asphalt-source and molecular weight (Mw) of SBS affect the
required duration of asphalt-SBS blend significantly. This was
demonstrated by a rheological and microstructural study of
SBS (radial-type, SBS-1 Mw ¼ 288,000 g/mol, and SBS-2
Mw ¼ 149,000 g/mol) modified asphalt using two types of
asphalt (Larsen et al., 2009). Asphalt type-I “B” and type-II “M”
163
have asphaltene contents determined by n-heptane
extraction (ASTM D4124) of 9.1% and 10.4%, and viscosity (at
100  C) of 3.70 and 2.80 Pa$s, respectively. Fig. 5 showed the
viscosity-time plot of the various SBS (4.5%) modified asphalt
binders. Shearing the SBS-asphalt blend beyond a certain
period of time results in viscosity decline. Different asphalt
binders reach maximum viscosity at different time, and
different molecular weight of the SBS required different
duration of blending to reach maximum viscosity. Asphalt
binder modified with different types of SBS (radial or linear
structure) polymer exhibit different properties (Geng et al.,
2014). Therefore, mixing condition that is appropriate for
radial-type SBS, might not be best for the linear-type of SBS.
The optimum mixing duration of a linear-type SBS was
shown to be 30 min when mixing at 175  Ce180  C under high-
shear speed of 10,000 rpm (Kang and Zhang, 2012). This
duration was established by analyzing the microstructure
and rheological properties of asphalt blended with 2%e7% of
SBS. Mixing beyond this time results in deterioration in
viscoelastic properties of the binder. The optimum duration
of mixing deduced from rotational viscosity coincide with
those obtained from complex modulus and microstructural
164 J. Traffic Transp. Eng. (Engl. Ed.) 2023; 10 (2): 159e184
Fig. 5 e Viscosity plot for SBS modified asphalt binder at 80  C, shear-rate ¼ 0.125 s¡1, 4.5% SBS, mixing at (180 ± 5)  C. (a)
SBS-1 Mw ¼ 288,000 g/mol (b) SBS-2 Mw ¼ 149,000 g/mol (2 asphalt-sources, and 2 shear-speeds) (Larsen et al., 2009).
image analysis. This indicated that a simple rotational
viscosity test measurement can be used to adequately
optimize the mixing condition of a polymer-asphalt blend.
The SBS and SBR swell in the asphalt binder by absorbing
some of the aromatic and saturates fractions of the asphalt
binder, thereby increasing the resin and asphaltene compo-
nents (Alam and Hossain, 2017; Dong et al., 2012). Swelling
rate of the SBR in asphalt increases with increase in
temperature, and continues up to 24 h at 200  C (Dong et al.,
2012). The tensile strength of the SBR declines with
increasing duration of high-temperature storage in asphalt.
On the other hand, the tear-strength and elongation of the
SBR increases up to 6 h then begin to decline afterwards.
The SBS-asphalt modification is physical in nature (Shan
et al., 2019). The SBS polymer maintained its nano-scale
chemical structure within the dispersed asphalt medium.
The SBS micelles undergoes a reversible swelling and
melting at temperature above 110  C which enables it to
have an effective positive influence on the asphalt high
temperature performance.
4.2. Crumb rubber (CR) asphalt blends
It has been established that CR particles produced with
different milling equipment at the same ambient condition
possessed different surface area and particle size distribution
(Sienkiewicz et al., 2017). As a result, CR produced from
different machines might interact differently with the
asphalt binder. The same study also showed that using an
anchor stirrer instead of high-shear mixer led to a more
stable CR-asphalt blend (15% CR, <0.8 mm). The study
evaluated CR obtained from two types of milling machines,
which were then used to prepare CR-asphalt blends at 5%,
10% and 15% dosages. Another study showed that CR with
similar particle size distribution but produced in different
condition (ambient and cryogenic grinding) swell at different
rate (Cong et al., 2013). The CR obtained from ambient
grinding swells approximately 50% more than that obtained
from cryogenic grinding when soaked in diesel at 40  C over
the same period of time. Asphalt blend modified with the
ambient-grind-CR showed better low and high temperature
performance. It was also shown that the CR produced using
ambient grinding yielded asphalt blends with higher
maximum viscosity when monitored under continuous
stirring (Medina et al., 2020). This was related to the higher
swelling rate of the CR that was milled under ambient
condition.
The CR swells in the asphalt binder at 160  C and below,
and dissolves at higher temperature (Ghavibazoo et al., 2013).
Li et al. (2017a) studied the effect of mixing temperature and
duration of blending on low temperature performance of
20% CR modified asphalt binder. Asphalt blends were
prepared by stirring using 400 rpm at 220  Ce280  C, for
2e8 h. Higher mixing duration and temperature generally
resulted in the diminishing of low-temperature
performance. The prolong duration and high temperature of
mixing increased the molecular weight of asphaltene by
more than 6 folds. A similar previous study showed that
high temperature facilitates degradation of the CR-asphalt
more than prolong mixing (Ghavibazoo et al., 2013), and the
critical degradation temperature of the CR-asphalt blend is
260  C (Tang et al., 2016). Medina et al. (2020) recommended
mixing of CR-asphalt blends at 195  C for 45e60 min at low
stirring rate (50 rpm), and to be stored at lower temperature
(150  C) under continuous low agitation using a dual-helical-
ribbon (DHR) blade. The study aimed to solve the high
temperature storage instability issues of the CR modified
asphalt faced by the asphalt industries. Viscosity of the CR-
asphalt blends (10% and 18%, ambient and cryogenic grind)
was monitored over 8 h duration of stirring. Fig. 6(a) shows a
typical viscosity-time plot for a dual-helical-ribbon (DHR)
blade and standard spindle (Sc-27). The DHR blade maintain
uniform CR distribution within the asphalt, yielded higher
swelling rate, and higher maximum viscosity by preventing
the CR from settling. In a previous similar study but using a
cylindrical spindle, a relatively similar duration for steady-
state viscosity was observed for 18% CR (Fig. 6 (b)) (Celauro
et al., 2012).
Asphalt-CR blends that were produced at higher shear-
speed showed lower CR settling rate when stored at higher

lez et al. (2012) studied
temperature (Billiter et al., 1997). Gonza
the effect of mixing duration (60e180 min) and temperature
 J. Traffic Transp. Eng. (Engl. Ed.) 2023; 10 (2): 159e184 165

Fig. 6 e Viscosity-time plot of 50/70 penetration binder. (a) 177.5  C, 50 rpm, 18% ambient CR, size 125e800 mm (Medina et al.,
2020) (note: 1 cp ¼ 1 mPa·s). (b) 180  C, 200 rpm, ambient CR, passing 595 mm with cylindrical spindle (Celauro et al., 2012).

(180  Ce210  C) on viscoelastic performance of CR-asphalt
binder. The asphalt binder was modified with 12% CR using
high-shear mixing speed of 8200 rpm. Results showed that
mixing beyond 60 min and above 200  C lead to primary
oxidation and excessive increase in viscosity. The
degradation of the CR-asphalt properties is also attributed to
the depolymerization or devulcanization of the CR (Siddique
and Naik, 2004). The CR initially undergoes swelling which
softens it for easier milling or dispersal within the asphalt.
But as the duration and or temperature of blending
increases, the CR begins to disintegrate by releasing the
various components of the rubber in gaseous or solid forms.
This results in the destruction of the CR-asphalt network
thereby lowering the elastic and mechanical properties of
the CR modified asphalt in the process.
Mixing the CR-asphalt (15% CR, 400 rpm) at higher tem-
perature (220  C-280  C) for a prolong duration (2e8 h) causes a
decline in elastic recovery (Tang et al., 2016). In addition, the
amount of asphaltene fraction increases (Li et al., 2017b). To
prevent CR particles from settling, pre-/post-soaking of CR-
asphalt blend should be carried out at less than 165  C
(Medina et al., 2020).
4.3. Poly-ethylene (PE) asphalt blends
The same type of polymer but having different molecular
weight will require different time to be sufficiently blended in
to the asphalt. This was shown by studying the effect of mo-
lecular weight on the rheological properties of asphalt binder
modified with virgin LDPE and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)
166 J. Traffic Transp. Eng. (Engl. Ed.) 2023; 10 (2): 159e184
(Hussein et al., 2005). Asphalt blends modified with two LDPE
(LDPE1 Mw ¼ 71.920 kg/mol; LDPE2 Mw ¼ 102.929 kg/mol) and
EVA (EVA1 Mw ¼ 35.629 kg/mol; EVA2 Mw ¼ 30.486 kg/mol)
were prepared at 160  C and 3000 rpm shear speed. Fig. 7
shows the variation of the jG* j with mixing duration for the
various asphalt blend. The optimum blending duration was
considered to be the time when the change in jG* j reached a
steady-state. The optimum blending time of the LDPE1 and
LDPE2 was found to be 30 and 20 min, respectively.
The effect of mixing temperature on the basic properties of
recycled PE-asphalt binder was examined (Fang et al., 2015a).
Asphalt blends prepared at higher temperature
(150  Ce205  C) for equal duration (1.5 h, at 3700 rpm)
showed higher softening point, lower penetration, and lower
ductility. Fang et al. studied the effect of mixing temperature
(150  C, 170  C, and 190  C) and time (1, 1.5, and 2 h) on the
morphology, thermal and storage stability of recycled-PE
modified asphalt binder (4% waste-PE) (Fang et al., 2014). The
study concluded that the optimum mixing condition for the
waste-PE asphalt binder is: 150  C, shear time of 1.5 h and
shear-speed of 3750 rpm. The study did not specify whether
the recycled-PE is high- or low-density (HDPE or LDPE), but a
later study optimized the mixing duration of recycled LDPE
and HDPE (Dalhat and Al-Abdul Wahhab, 2017). The mixing
temperature for the recycled LDPE and HDPE blends was
predetermined based on thermal-analysis of the polymers.
The recycled LDPE- and HDPE-asphalt blends were pre-
soaked for 1 h at 160  C, followed by high-shear mixing using
5000 rpm (saw-tooth blade) at 160  C and 180  C respectively.
Fig. 8 shows the variation of the viscosity and rutting
parameter with increase in mixing time. The optimum
duration of mixing was considered to be the time when the
change in viscosity and G* =sinðdÞ reached a steady-state.
Hence the optimized mixing condition of the recycled HDPE
was (180  C, 5000 rpm, and 60 min), and that of the LDPE
was (160  C, 5000 rpm, and 30 min). This mixing condition
Fig. 7 e Variation of complex modulus ðjG* jÞ with mixing
duration for LDPE and EVA modified asphalt (Hussein et al.,
2005).
was later shown to yield a LDPE and HDPE asphalt blends
with good storage stability (Al-Abdul Wahhab et al., 2017).
The PE first undergoes swelling, dispersion by the shear-
mixing, then further swelling under thermal storage (Hussein
et al., 2005; Liang et al., 2019). Stable PE-asphalt blends
maintain a dispersed PE in asphalt network or continuous
network of the PE phase within the asphalt binder. But
unstable PE-asphalt blends undergo phase-separation or PE-
phase agglomeration/coalescence during thermal storage
(Fig. 8(c)). The coalescence of the PE-phase was attributed to
increase in size of the disperse PE phases. Stable PE-asphalt
blends are obtained by adding compatibilizers such as wax
or by using more asphalt-compatible PE structure. However,
using lower storage temperature and shearing the PE for
sufficient duration, or storage under continuous agitation for
a sufficient duration before non-agitative storage could
minimize the phase-separation tendencies of the PE-asphalt
blends.
4.4. Epoxy asphalt blends
Various types of commercial epoxy are available as two-
component liquid: A) the resin, and B) the hardener. Because
of their liquid and reactive nature, it is easy to mix epoxy with
the asphalt binder. Epoxy have been used to modify neat
asphalt binder (Cong et al., 2016, 2019), hot polymer modified
asphalt binder (Cong et al., 2011), warm- and cold-mix
asphalt binder (Ding et al., 2021; Si et al., 2020), etc. The
main mixing conditions affecting the property of epoxy
modified asphalt binder are curing temperature and the
duration of curing. Otherwise, there is a general consensus
about the mixing duration of epoxy in the asphalt binder in
the literature. Most epoxy come with recommended mixing
temperature and resin/hardener ratio from the
manufacturer or supplier as mentioned in many studies
(Apostolidis et al., 2019). Table 1 presents typical mixing
conditions and procedure adopted for adding epoxy to
various types of asphalt binders. The resin or hardener
component is usually mixed in the asphalt for 5 min (Cong
et al., 2019), or more (Cong et al., 2011). But once one of the
components is already mixed in asphalt, the remaining
component is mixed in the asphalt for 5 min tops. This is
because curing of the epoxy begins the moment both
components come in contact with each other. Some studies
mixed the two components of the epoxy before adding to
the asphalt binder (Apostolidis et al., 2019; Cong et al., 2016;
Liu et al., 2018). In other studies, the asphalt, resin and the
hardener were put in a single container and mixed together
at once (Zhang et al., 2021). A study on what mixing
sequence results in better performance could provide useful
insight on best practice for the preparation of epoxy asphalt
binder.
In case of mixing epoxy along with other polymers, the
polymer and other additives are first thoroughly mixed with
the asphalt before finally adding the epoxy components (Cong
et al., 2011). The epoxy asphalt blend is initially kept hot at a
certain temperature for some hours after mixing. This is
followed by the curing at lower temperature for 3e4 d to
reach the expected service properties of the pavement (Cong
et al., 2016, 2019). Cong et al. (2019) studied the effect of time
 J. Traffic Transp. Eng. (Engl. Ed.) 2023; 10 (2): 159e184 167

Fig. 8 e Variation of the viscosity and rutting parameter with increase in mixing time. (a) Viscosity-time plot. (b) Rutting
performance parameter vs. time (Dalhat and Al-Abdul Wahhab, 2017). (c) Phase evolution of various PE-asphalt blends
under isothermal annealing at 163  C (Liang et al., 2019).
 168
Table 1 e Typical example of epoxy asphalt blends.
Reference Asphalt blend Epoxy Mixing time (min) Mixing Shear-speed Initial storage Final curing
(comment) information temperature ( C) (rpm) condition condition
(A/B; content %)
Resin (A) Hardener (B) Resin Hardener Resin Hardener Temp. ( C) Time (h) Temp. ( C) Time
(A) (B) (A) (B)
Cong et al. Neat asphalt, 60/80 A: diglycidyl ether of 5 5 160 160 1700 1700 145, 155, 165, 2.0, 3.0, 60 4d
(2019) pen-grade bisphenol and 175 and 4.0
(resin was first B: cyanoethylation
blended in asphalt) of aliphatic diamine
Epoxy equiv.: 192 g/
mol
(A/B: NA; 35 wt%)
Cong et al. 60/80 pen-grade A: diglycidyl ether of 5 30 120 120 500 500 120 8.0 NA NA
(2011) modified with 1%, bisphenol

J. Traffic Transp. Eng. (Engl. Ed.) 2023; 10 (2): 159e184

2%, 3%, and 5% linear B: methyl tetrahydro
SBS: 120,000 g/mol phallic anhydride
(hardener was first Epoxy equiv.:
blended in asphalt) 0.52 mol/100 g
(A/B: 10/7; NA)
Apostolidis 70/100 pen-grade A: epichlorhydrin NA NA 120 120 NA NA 10 NA 130 2, 4, 8, 120, 240,
et al. (2019) (epoxy components and bisphenol-A and 480 h
are mixed for 20 s B: fatty acid
before adding to the hardening agent
asphalt) (A/B: 20/80; 20% and
50%)
Cong et al. 80/100 pen-grade A: diglycidyl ether 5 5 165 165 500 500 165 4.0 60 4d
(2016) (epoxy components of bisphenol A type
are mixed before B: mix of
adding to the hyperbranched
asphalt) polyether, p-
aminobenzoic acid,
and maleic
anhydride
Epoxy equiv.:
0.52 mol/100 g
(A/B: 39/100; 45%,
55%, 65%, 75%, and
85%)
Liu et al. 60/80 pen-grade A: diglycidyl ether 5 min outside 5 min outside 160 160 2000 2000 150 0.5 60 4d
(2018) modified with 4.5 wt of bisphenol A asphalt, 5 min asphalt, 5 min
% SBS B: mix of amines inside asphalt inside asphalt
(epoxy components Epoxy equiv.: 180
are mixed before e200 g/eq.
adding to the (A/B: 49/51; 40%, 50%,
asphalt) and 60%)
 J. Traffic Transp. Eng. (Engl. Ed.) 2023; 10 (2): 159e184 169

(2, 3, and, 4 h) and temperature (145  C, 155  C, 165  C, and

175  C) during initial hot storage on the properties of the
epoxy asphalt cured at 60  C for 4 d. Epoxy asphalt stored at
higher temperature and longer duration showed higher
tensile strength at early stage of curing, see Fig. 9(a). Similar
3d

3d trend was observed after 4 d of curing at 60  C for samples

stored at temperature above 145  C. The effect of
temperature and time on the tensile strength of the epoxy
60

60

asphalt at later-curing-stage is presented in Fig. 9(b). High

curing temperature facilitates rapid change in carbonyl and
sulfoxide compounds of the epoxy asphalt, which speeds up
the aging process (Apostolidis et al., 2022).
0.5

3.0

Cold mixed epoxy asphalt contains additional liquids

known as diluents that decrease the viscosity of the asphalt
binder at low temperature (Zhang et al., 2020a). Water borne
epoxy are also used in cold mix with emulsified asphalt (Liu
et al., 2021a; Yang et al., 2020). Since it is easy to fully blend
150

150

the epoxy in liquid asphalt, the main preparation variable

(temperature) influencing hot epoxy asphalt does not affect
cold mix epoxy asphalt. The various additives and their
2000
200

proportion will remain the main focus for cold mix epoxy
asphalt.
2000
200

4.5. Polyurethane modified asphalt (PUMA) blends

The PUMA are prepared by polymerization reaction of di- or

160

160

poly-isocyanates and polyols in the presence of chain-ex-

tenders, cross-linkers, catalysts, etc., within the asphalt me-
dium (Li et al., 2021; Sun et al., 2018; Zhang et al., 2020b).
160

160

Methylene diphenyl di-isocyanates is the most commonly

used isocyanate in asphalt binder modification. Polyester
polyols yield PUMA with higher mechanical strength and
low flexibility as compared to polyether polyols that yield
more flexible material with higher water and thermal
resistance. The chain-extenders and cross-linkers are low
molecular weight diamines, diols, and ethanol amines also
5

known as curing agents. Two mixing approaches were

identified: one-step and two-step approach. All additives are
added to the binder at once and mixed in the one-step
approach. On the other hand, the isocyanates and the
polyols are premixed within or outside the asphalt before
5

mixing with the curing agents in the asphalt medium. The

A: diglycidyl ether

A: diglycidyl ether

two-step approach was reported to yield material with

Epoxy equiv.: 180

Epoxy equiv.: 180

B: mix of amines

B: mix of amines
(A/B: 49/51; 50%)

(A/B: 49/51; 50%)

of bisphenol A

of bisphenol A

better mechanical properties as it allows for complete

chemical reaction of the various components. The PUMA
e200 g/eq.

e200 g/eq.

requires time and temperature to cure irrespective of the

type of the mixing approach.
Depending on the starting monomers the resulting poly-
modified with 2 wt%,

mixed before adding

modified with 4 wt%

urethane could be thermoplastic (polyether polyols), ther-

4 wt%, 6 wt%, and

components were
8 wt% SBS (epoxy

moplastic elastomer, or even thermosetting (polyester

components and
60/80 pen-grade

60/80 pen-grade
asphalt were all
mixed at once)

to the asphalt)

polyols) (Zhang et al., 2020b). Regardless of the nature the

SBS (epoxy

PUMA, the disk-based serrated blade (saw tooth disperser

blade) was reported to be more efficient in mixing the PUMA
(Sun et al., 2018). The recommended duration of curing of
thermoplastic PUMA is 1 h at 175  C (Li et al., 2021). On the
other hand, the thermosetting PUMA requires just 15 min at
Zhang et al.

120  C to cure appreciable due to its faster reaction rate. The

Jiang et al.
(2021)

(2018)

mixing speed at various stage of preparing the PUMA varies

from studies to study ranging from 1400 to 3000 rpm. But the
mixing duration after all additive have been added is usual
170 J. Traffic Transp. Eng. (Engl. Ed.) 2023; 10 (2): 159e184
Fig. 9 e Effect of curing time and temperature on tensile strength of epoxy asphalt. (a) Curing time (Cong et al., 2019). (b)
Curing temperature (Cong et al., 2016).
5 min. The curing duration could also differ from those
recommended, but longer period of up to 2 h could be
employed to ensure complete curing.
4.6. Other polymers’ asphalt blend
The optimum blending time for a virgin EVA with average
molecular weight of 35.629 and 30.486 kg/mol is 15 and 20 min
respectively, at 160  C and 3000 rpm shear speed (Fig. 7)
(Hussein et al., 2005). Optimum blending time of recycled
poly-propylene (PP) was shown to be 60 min at 190  C and
5000 rpm, after 1 h of pre-soaking at 160  C (Dalhat and Al-
Abdul Wahhab, 2017). The rheology and morphology of
asphalt binder modified with 5% EVA/LDPE (2/1) composite
was studied under high and low shear mixing condition
(Garcı́a-Morales et al., 2007). Based on Ostwald-De Waele's
viscosity model parameter, at 165  C ± 10  C, the EVA/LDPE-
asphalt require minimum mixing durations of 45 and 60 min
under shear-speeds of 17,500 and 13,500 rpm respectively.
The required mixing duration increased to 112 and 106 min
under stirring speed of 60 and 120 rpm respectively, at 180  C.
5. Multi-polymer/additive modification of
asphalt binder
Unlike in the single-polymer modification of the asphalt
binder where the main mixing variables are time, temperature
and speed. The mixing-sequence (at what point each polymer
is added to the binder during mixing) adds to the factors that
can affect the successful blending of an asphalt binder when
dealing with multiple polymers/additives. Several studies
have modified asphalt binder with multiple additives and or
polymers (Al-Abdul Wahhab et al., 2017; Cheng et al., 2020;
Fang et al., 2013; Karahrodi et al., 2017; Ouyang et al., 2012;
Vamegh et al., 2019; Yang et al., 2021). No specific or
 J. Traffic Transp. Eng. (Engl. Ed.) 2023; 10 (2): 159e184 171

consistent mixing sequence was identified for modification

(continued on next page)

involving multiple polymers. Sometimes all polymers were

Martı́nez-Estrada
Huang and Tang
Reference
added at once in their individual forms (Fang et al., 2013),

et al. (2010)
some studies utilized polymer-composites made from
multiple polymers (Cheng et al., 2020; Karahrodi et al., 2017;

(2015)
Vamegh et al., 2019), and in some cases polymer that require
longer mixing duration were added to the asphalt first. In

0.15% of sulfur was added to

any case, the minimum mixing temperature and duration

hundred parts of polymer)

another 90 min at 180  C
the blend and stirred for
should be that of the polymer with higher melting point and

phr (parts of sulfur per

Cross-linker
or which requires longer duration of mixing respectively. For
effective mixing of individual multiple-polymers, the best
option will be to add the polymers in sequence according to
their required mixing duration, temperature, and speed.
This will minimize the risk of over-blending any of the

Sulfur
0e20
modifiers. Because previous studies have shown that
prolong mixing could lead to destruction of polymer-

added; stirring continued for an

pseudo-equilibrium conditions.

stirred for 4 h, then the desired

Blends prepared without sulfur
information (type of blade,
network within the polymer-binder system, which leads to

were mixed for 5.5 h to ensure

Blends containing sulfur were

amount of sulfur was slowly

Stirring for 60 min at 180  C
lower binder performance (Larsen et al., 2009; Li et al.,

Additional steps/
2017a). But when dealing with a composite containing
different polymers, the characteristics of such composite

additional 90 min.
etc.)
such as melting point, decomposition temperature, etc.,
should be establish to serve as guide in the selection of
minimum and maximum mixing temperatures. In addition,
the optimum mixing conditions such as mixing time and
speed should be determined by following similar steps as in
the case of single polymer. On the other hand, there is a
speed
Shear

(rpm)
clear general mixing approach where the asphalt 4000

500
modification involves additive other than polymers such as
sulfur and polyphosphoric acid (PPA). Section 5.1 and 5.2
discussed the general finding on sulfur and PPA modified
Shearing
duration
Table 2 e Summary of some polymer modified asphalt studies incorporating sulfur.

asphalt binders.
(min)

5.1. Sulphur-modified asphalt blends

330
30

Sulfur can be used to extend the asphalt binder, or to serve as

Base binder Mixing
(PG, Pen, etc.) temp.
( C)
180

180

a cross-linking agent for some polymer modified asphalt.

Studies have shown that the addition of the sulfur to rubber
modified asphalt improves the storage stability and rheolog-
ical properties. A very small amount of the sulfur (0.1%e0.3%)
is employed when serving as cross-linker (Gao et al., 2002;
PG 64-16

Pen 46

Huang and Tang, 2015; Kumar et al., 2020; Zhang et al.,

2014), while up to 40% of the sulfur was used as extender
(Alghrafy et al., 2021). Table 2 provides a summary of typical
4.5%, 5.0%, 5.5% with
3.5%, 4.5% and 5.5%
Polymer dosage
(%) and asphalt

mixing conditions employed for polymer modified asphalt

volume (L or g)

3.0%, 3.5%, 4.0%,

incorporating sulfur. The sulfur is usually mixed with the

without sulfur;

asphalt for duration of 15e90 min, depending on the other

0.15% sulfur

additives. The mixing speed and temperature were dictated

mostly by the type of polymer utilized to modify the asphalt.
5e12

There was little to no attempt of establishing optimum

mixing condition in these studies. But a recent study
demonstrates that the optimum duration of mixing sulfur
with 4% LDPE and HDPE modified asphalt is 15 and 20 min
Name or abbreviation

respectively (Alghrafy et al., 2021). These mixing durations

were established at 145  C and 1500 rpm. In the case of
Mw: 230,000 g/mol
Radial SBS (30/70)

mixing of SBS-sulfur asphalt blends with additional diluent,

it has been shown that adding the sulfur to the SBS-
of polymer

modified binder prior to adding the diluent yield better

SB, SBS

blends (Chen et al., 2021). Prolong duration of blending of

SBS-sulfur modified asphalt blend (beyond 72 h) in the
presence of soybean diluent was suggested (Staver et al.,
 172
Table 2 e (continued )
Name or abbreviation Polymer dosage Base binder Mixing Shearing Shear Additional steps/ Cross-linker Reference
of polymer (%) and asphalt (PG, Pen, etc.) temp. duration speed information (type of blade,
volume (L or g) ( C) (min) (rpm) etc.)
Ethylene-propylene-diene- 0, 2%, 4%, 6% and 8% Pen 45 170 45, 60 8000 Stator and rotor type blade was 0.3% sulfur by weight of Kumar et al. (2020)
monomer (EPDM) rubber by binder weight used. Blends were sheared for bitumen
waste (0.6 L of asphalt) 45 min at 170  C, if sulfur is
added the mixing continued for
additional 15 min.
Linear SBS grade 1301 3 80/1000 175 30 4000 3% SBS þ 0.15% sulfur mixed Chemically pure octadecyl Zhang et al. (2014)
(30/70) Pen 63 with asphalt for 45 min at dimethyl benzyl
Mw: 120,000 g/mol 175  C and sheared at unknown ammonium chloride
speed. (ODBA)
Certain amount of organic sulfur 0.15%
layered silicate was added by

J. Traffic Transp. Eng. (Engl. Ed.) 2023; 10 (2): 159e184

fixed rotate speed for 30 min.
Then use 2000 rpm rotation
speed for 90 min.
SBS, grade 4303 LDPE/SBS (34:66) Pen 90 180 60 4000 SBS and LDPE were blended Sulfur Gao et al. (2002)
(star-like, S: 30%, 1.5%, 3.0%, 4.5%, and using 80 rpm at the certain 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, and 0.20
Mw: 350,000 g/mol) 6.0% temp.
LDPE, grade N220 Different amounts of the LPDE/
(melt flow index of 2.0 g/10 min) SBS composite was added to
hot asphalt at 160  C, and
mixed at 180  C for 1 h.
When sulfur is added the temp
is reduced to 110  C and sulfur
is added and stirred at 200 rpm
for 15 min.
SBS-l 1, 3, 5, and 7 AC-10 (Pen: 96) 170 60 NA A propeller with an X shape Sulfur Chen and Huang
Mw: 200,000 g/mol AC-20 (Pen:68) was used. (2007)
SBS-r Then sulfur was added to the
Mw: 460,000 g/mol blend, and the stirring
continued at the same
temperature for another 60 min
in order to ensure
homogeneous mixtures. Sulfur
was 1 wt%, 3 wt%, or 5 wt% of
the SBS.
Star-like SBS 4303, 2.0, 3.5, 5.0, and 6.0 AH 90 180 60 without sulfur 4000 When the temperature was Sulfur Wen et al. (2002)
S: 30%, Mw: 350,000 g/mol 90 with sulfur reduced below 120  C, a given
Linear SBS 1301, level (5% of SBS content) of
S: 30%, Mw: 110,000 g/mol sulfur was added to the blend
and stirred for 15 min.
All sulfur PMA samples were
kept at 180  C after mixing.
Reclaimed rubber (RR) 5%, 10%, 15% (TRR or Pen 71 180 30 3500 Tire rubbers were passed Sulfur tur Rasool et al.
Truck or car CRR) þ5% SBS through extruder at the screw (2017)
SBS, 6302 L speed of 100 rpm.
S: 30% Three different temperatures
Mw: 6000 g/mol settings were selected at 220  C,
260  C, and 300  C.
Two samples were prepared by
adding 0.195 wt% sulfur (S) into
selected modified asphalt blend
with continuous stirring for 2 h
and speed of 300 rpm at 180  C.
SBR linear 3 PG 64-22 143 180 2500 Sulfur was added for all co- Sulfur Dessouky et al.
SBS linear polymers application to serve (2013)
as a cross-linking agent in the
amount of 3% by weight.
SBS-latex 2, 4, 6, and 8 60/80 150 30 1000 In order to campare with 0.2% sulfur was added at Ren et al. (2019)

J. Traffic Transp. Eng. (Engl. Ed.) 2023; 10 (2): 159e184

conventional SBS blend, 6% of 1000 rpm for another 30min
SBS was added to hot asphalt at
175  C and sheared using
4000 rpm for 30 min, then 0.2%
of sulfur was added and mixed
using 1000 rpm for another
30 min.
SBS 3 Pen 100 dmm 190 330 5000 High shear mixer Silverson Sulfur de Carcer et al.
calprene 411 L4RT. 0.05 pph (2014)
30:70 0.075 pph
ZnO

173
174 J. Traffic Transp. Eng. (Engl. Ed.) 2023; 10 (2): 159e184

2022). This is because the loss in performance due to the

Behnood and

Baldino et al.
Reference
diluent tend to be restored. Increased homogeneity and

Zhang et al.

and Faxina
Olek (2017)

Domingos
insignificant oxidation were also observed after the prolong
mixing. This blending approached is energy and time

(2013)

(2018)

(2014)
intensive and might possibly not be welcomed.

5.2. Polyphosphoric acid (PPA) asphalt blends

Compatibilizer
and or filler
PPA is employed to upgrade the upper PG of an asphalt binder.
Table 3 presents a summary of asphalt modification using
PPA, with and without polymers. Up to 2% of PPA by weight

NA

NA

NA

PPA: Fisatom 722-D low- NA

of the asphalt binder have been reported. The PPA modified
asphalt is prepared at 150  Ce160  C (without polymer) and

asphalt using an injector

modifiers after shearing.

was stirred by stirrer for

swelling and reaction of

information (type of

60 min of blending SBS

60 min manual stirring
up 180  C when mixing with other polymers. Duration of

Additional steps/

and the asphalt blend

PPA was injected into

þ SBS þ PPA: 4000 SBS: a Silverson L4RT

2 h to ensure the full

PPA was added after

blending ranges between 20 and 30 min (without polymer)

blade, etc.)

high-shear mixer.
and up to 1 h with other polymers. The mixing speed varies

shear mixer.

with binder.
from 300 to 6000 rpm depending on whether the asphalt

afterwards.
blend contains polymer in addition to the PPA. There is lack
of clear justification for the selection of the mixing condition

NA
for PPA modified asphalt in the literature. However, it
appears that where there is polymer in addition to the PPA

Shear speed

AC þ SBS or AC þ AC þ SBS or AC
in the modification, the blending conditions are consistent

PPA þ AC: 300

(rpm)
with that of the polymer modified asphalt binder. It is
possible that this reported mixing conditions for the PPA are
not the optimum. Because the studies did not establish

4000

5000
600
minimum or optimal mixing condition of the PPA modified
asphalt.
duration (min)

SBS þ PPA: 120

Shearing

PPA þ AC: 30
6. Nano-material modification of asphalt
binder
Table 3 e Summary of some polymer modified asphalt studies incorporating PPA.

20

30

60

Two major ways of adding nano material in to the asphalt

AC þ SBS or AC þ
Mixing temp.

SBS þ PPA: 180

binder were identified. The main challenge is to effectively

Pen 50/70 PG 64-xx PPA þ AC: 130

disperse the nano-material in to the asphalt binder matrix.
( C)

Fig. 10 summarized the various types of mixing methods

adopted in preparing nano-modified asphalt binder. There is
150

160

180

the direct and the indirect (wet and dry) method of mixing
asphalt with nano-material. The dry-indirect method is by
(PG, Pen, etc.)
Base binder

first hot-blending the nano-material with a primary modifier

(polymer, wax, etc.) as in Mansourian et al. (2019), Martı́nez-
Anzures et al. (2019), and Zapie
n-Castillo et al. (2016),
PG 64-22

70/100

AH-70

followed by blending of the polymer/wax-nano-composite in

50/70

to the asphalt. In the wet-indirect method, the nano-

material is dispersed in to some volatile organic solvent,
followed by adding the nano-solvent blend in to the asphalt
SBS þ PPA: 3.0% þ 0.5%

binder (Faramarzi et al., 2015; Khattak et al., 2012). In the

Dosage (%)

4.0%e5.0% SEBSþ

direct mixing, dry nano material is separately added to the

0.5%e1.1% PPA
0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0

asphalt binder or in combination with other modifiers

without necessarily being in a dispersed-state inside another
PPA: 1.2%
SBS: 4.5%

liquid or solid additive (Jahromi and Khodaii, 2009; Li et al.,

0.3e1.3

2018). The direct dry-mixing is the most widely used method

because it is simpler and considered more economical (Li
et al., 2017b). But the indirect dry- and wet-methods have
butylene-styrene

PPA (Innovalt E200)

content of 31%)
Styrene-ethylene/
of polymer and

been shown to be more effective in dispersing the nano-

250,000 g/mol
linear type, Mw:

(polystyrene

particles in to the asphalt matrix (Khattak et al., 2012;

83.3% of P2O5
85% of P2O5

Linear SBS

Mohammadiroudbari et al., 2016; Mortezaei et al., 2020).

additive

(SEBS)
Name

Hydro-thermal mixing was used to disperse nano-hydrat-

PPA

PPA

PPA

ed lime (NHL) in to the asphalt binder (You et al., 2018). This

wet-indirect approach was inspired by foamed-asphalt
Linear SBS-LG501 Both SBS: 2.00% Pen 67 175 ± 5 60 4000 Base asphalt and 22% of 22% of desulfurized Liu et al.
(S:B 4:6) Rock asphalt: 18.00% (60e80) desulfurized rubber rubber powder (2021b)
Star SBS-LG411 (S:B PPA: 1.25% powder were stirred for (mesh 30, 30%
4:6) 45 min at 170  Ce180  C, carbon and rubber
PPA then sheared at hydrocarbon 49%)
Rock asphalt 4000 rpm for 1 h at
75% asphalt 170  Ce180  C, then post
soaked in the oven for
1 h.
SBS, oxidized SBS, OPE and P-Ma: 3.0% PG 64-22 165 30 NA When blended with 0.5% NA Xiao et al.
polyethylene CR: 10.0% PPA, only 2% of (2014)
(OPE), propylene PPA: 0.5% polymers 1e3 and 10%
(P), maleic crumb rubber were
anhydride (Ma), blended with the base
and #40 mesh binders for 30 min first
ambient produced and then PPA was added

J. Traffic Transp. Eng. (Engl. Ed.) 2023; 10 (2): 159e184

CR to the modified binders
and blended another
30 min as recommended
by the manufacturer.
LDPE LDPE: 6.0% 50/70 or PG 64-xx AC/LDPE: 150 120 440 Fisatom 722D low-shear NA Nun~ ez et al.
UB-160C PPA: 1.2% AC/PPA: 130 30 300 mixer. (2014)
PPA LDPE/PPA: 3.0%/0.5% AC/LDPE/PPA: 150 60 þ 60 499
E200 (PPA is added
after 60 min)
SBS1301 a linear SBS (1301 or 4303): 3.5% Pen 87 dmm 180 40 4000 The blend was stirred by Sulfur Zhang and Hu
type, Mw: SBS/PPA: 3.5%/0.5% a mechanical stirrer at (2013)
110,000 g/mol, SBS/PPA/S: 3.5%/0.5%/0.1% 180  C for 2 h afterwards.
star-like SBS4303 4303: 3.5%
polymer, Mw:
350,000 g/mol,
star-like SBR

175
176 J. Traffic Transp. Eng. (Engl. Ed.) 2023; 10 (2): 159e184
Fig. 10 e Methods of mixing nano-materials in asphalt
binder.
technology and a previous study that proposed using air-
bubbles to disperse nano-materials in liquid medium (Feng
et al., 2016). The process can be done at lower temperature,
and does not require mechanical agitation. Instead, the
nano-particles were dispersed by the action of water bubbles
escaping the hot asphalt binder. The NHL was first mixed in
a distilled water solution containing 0.1% of sodium
dodecylbenzene sulfonate (C12H25C6H4SO3Na) to form a
stable suspension. Fig. 11 illustrates the steps in hydro-
thermal mixing process. The asphalt blend was allowed to
bubble/cure for about 30 min after injection and stirring of
the NHL-suspension in to asphalt blend. Micro-structural
analysis of the NHL-asphalt blend revealed that the NHL
nano particles were well dispersed in the asphalt. But the
effect of water-NHL ratio, stirring rate/time, curing time,
Fig. 11 e Hydro-thermal mixing of nano-hydrated-lime (water/NHL of 50/50). (a) Injection of NHL-water suspension in to the
asphalt at 135  C. (b) Manual stirring. (c) Bubbling, curing and water-evaporation. (d) Movement and busting of NHL-water-
suspension bubble (You et al., 2018).
etc., was not studied or optimized. In another study, stirring
of the water-nano-modified asphalt blend continued until no
more bubbles were observed (Fang et al., 2016).
The effect of shear-speed (3000e4500 rpm) and pre-
blending on the rheological properties of the modified-asphalt
composite was studied (Mortezaei et al., 2020). Asphalt-SBS-
wax blends with identical nano-clay composition (0.5%,
1.5%, and 2.5%) were prepared by direct and dry-indirect
methods. In both cases, modifiers were added in the
following sequence: SBS, wax, then nano-clay. Pre-blending
of the modifiers was done at 180  C ± 5  C and 60 rpm for
10 min using stator-rotor blade. Asphalt-modifier blends
were prepared at 180  C ± 5  C for 90 min at 4500 and 3000 rpm.
In the case of the direct mixing, SBS was first added to the
asphalt and sheared at 4500 rpm for 50 min, followed by wax
for 10 min, and finally the nano-clay for the remaining time.
Use of higher shear speed and the dry-indirect mixing were
found to yield asphalt blends with better physical and rheo-
logical properties. Dehouche et al. (2016) studied the effect of
mixing speed (750e4500 rpm) on the rheological properties
of nano-clay modified asphalt binder. It was shown that
mixing at 3000 rpm and above is necessary to exfoliate the
nano-clay in the asphalt matrix, see Fig. 12(a) and (b). The
d001 interlayer spacing of the nano-clay increases with
increase in shear-speed, and the peaks at 2q disappeared
when mixed at 3000 rpm. Indicating transition of the
asphalt-nano-clay matrix from intercalated to a more
dispersed exfoliated state. The study concluded that
3000 rpm is the most suitable shear-speed for mixing nano-
clay asphalt blend. Atomic force microscopy also showed
better nano-clay dispersion at higher shear rate. Finally,
 J. Traffic Transp. Eng. (Engl. Ed.) 2023; 10 (2): 159e184 177

Fig. 12 e Effect of mixing speed on the nano-clay modified asphalt binder. (a) Inter-layer spacing d001. (b) XRD pattern
asphalt-nanocomposites mixed at 750, 1500, 2000, 3000 and 4500 rpm (Dehouche et al., 2016).

mixing at higher shear-speed led to an improvement in high
and low temperature performance of the nano-clay modified
asphalt binder.
Pre-blending of nano-clay in PE polymer at 170  C and
60 rpm for 10 min prior to mixing asphalt binder yielded better
PE-nano-clay dispersion than mixing directly
(Mohammadiroudbari et al., 2016). Fig. 13 shows micrographs of
the various asphalt-nano-clay-PE blends. The direct and
indirect asphalt blending was carried out at 180  C and
5500 rpm for 45 min. In the direct mixing, nano-clay was first
added to the asphalt and sheared for 15 min, followed by the
PE polymers for additional 30 min. On the other hand, the PE-
nano-clay composite was added to the asphalt binder from
the beginning and sheared for 45 min. The dry-indirect
mixing method was shown to yield asphalt blends with
higher storage stability than the direct mixing (Leng et al.,
2019). This study was based on three types of nano-clays and
SBS polymer. Three sets of asphalt binder were prepared by
directly adding the 4% SBS and one type of nano-clay directly
to the asphalt, and another three set of asphalt blends were
obtained by mixing the asphalt with nano-clay-SBS
composites of the various nano-clays.
The optimum time of mixing nano-Al2O3 with asphalt
(grade 40/50) at 160  C ± 5  C and 3000 rpm was found to be
90 min (Sadiq Bhat and Shafi Mir, 2021). The nano-Al2O3 was
directly added to the asphalt binder. Results were not
provided to support the claim that 90 min is indeed optimal
blending time. Recommended mixing conditions for various
nano-material have been reported by Li et al. (2017b).
Blending duration ranging from 30 to 120 min, temperature
ranging from 130  Ce180  C, and shear-speed of
300e4500 rpm are usually adopted. But only few of these
studies optimized the mixing condition. Mixing condition
were usually accepted based on citing a previous study (that
did not optimize the mixing condition), or the use of SEM,
microscope image, and or X-ray diffraction to indicate some
level of nano-particle dispersion. Using SEM images and or
X-ray diffraction to prove that the inter-layer spacing of the
nano-material has increased at certain mix condition does
not necessarily prove that such condition is the optimum
mixing condition. The influence of the mixing variables
(shear-speed, time, temperature, blend type, etc.) on the
behavior and final performance of several nano-modified
asphalt binder is still under-explored. However, some of the
178 J. Traffic Transp. Eng. (Engl. Ed.) 2023; 10 (2): 159e184

Fig. 13 e Optical microscopy shows effect of pre-blending nano-clay with PE. (a) 4% HDPE þ 2% nano-clay (direct mixing). (b)
4% HDPE þ 2% nano-clay (indirect mixing). (c) 4% LDEP-g-MA þ 2% nano-clay (direct mixing). (d) 4% LDEP-g-MA þ 2% nano-
clay (indirect mixing). (e) 2% HDPE þ 2% LDEP-g-MAþ 2% nano-clay (direct mixing). (f) 2% HDPE þ 2% LDEP-g-MA þ 2% nano-
clay (indirect mixing) (Mohammadiroudbari et al., 2016).

few studies that attempted to optimize mixing condition of respectively. The time shown as optimum mixing duration
the nano-modified asphalt are summarized in Table 4. is actually time to needed evaporate kerosine from the
Khattak et al. (2012) and Faramrzi et al. (2015) optimized the asphalt-CNF-kerosine blend, but not the optimum asphalt-
sonification condition of CNF and CNT in kerosine CNF blending time.
 J. Traffic Transp. Eng. (Engl. Ed.) 2023; 10 (2): 159e184 179

Table 4 e Summary of some nano-asphalt blends with optimized mixing condition.

Reference Asphalt Nano-material Mixing Shear speed Temp. Comment
binder duration (min) (rpm) ( C)
Khattak et al. PG 52-22 Carbon nano- 165 Low-shear 160 Wet-kerosine mixing. Three (3) cycles
(2012) fiber (CNF) (stirring) of CNF-kerosine sonication, by 240 W
at 90% pulse rate, sonication time of
8 min, idle time of 25 min between
cycles, followed by 2 min of high shear
mixing at 3000 rpm. Asphalt/CNT-
kerosine mix mass ratio of 3/5.
Faramarzi Pen @ 25  C: Carbon nano- 150, 165, and Low-shear 160 Wet-kerosine mixing. One (1) cycles
et al. (2015) 61 dmm tube (CNT) 180 min for 0.1%, (stirring) sonication of CNT-kerosine blend by
0.5%, and 1.0% 240 W at 50% pulse rate, sonication
CNT time of 8 min, cool-down time of
25 min, followed by 2 min of high shear
mixing at 2500 rpm. CNT-kerosene
mass ratio of 1.2/80.
Ezzat et al. Pen @ 25  C: Nano-clay (OMMT) 60 1500 145 ± 5 Dry-mixing; viscosity-time plot until
(2016) 56 dmm steady state was achieved.
Dehouche 50/70 Nano-clay 60 3000 140 Dry-mixing; XRD analysis of interlayer
et al. (2016) (3 wt% OMMT) spacing of blends produce using
variable shear-speed.

stirring at a very low speed (<200 rpm) for sufficient amount of

7. Warm mix asphalt binder (WMAB)
The warm mix asphalts are prepared at relatively lower
temperature compared to hot asphalt blend, without
compromising the asphalt performance (Capita ~ o et al., 2012).
Polymer modified asphalt could be the base asphalt-biner in
the WMAB depending on the target PG. Preparation steps for
PMA are usually carried out prior to the addition of other
additives that produce the WMAB. Table 5 provides
examples and summary of typical mixing condition for
WMAB. The average mixing condition for the WMAB
includes mixing temperature ranging from 100  C to 140  C,
mixing speed of 300e2000 rpm, and mixing duration of
5e30 min. WMAB is mainly prepared using two different
protocols namely; foaming and non-foaming process. The
non-foaming process employ chemical or mineral additives
such as Sasobit (1%e4% by binder's weight) (Jamshidi et al.,
2012), Cecabase (0.3%e0.4%) (Xiao et al., 2012), Rediset (1%e
3%) (Hamzah et al., 2015), etc., while the foaming process
involves adding materials like asphamin (5%) (Gandhi et al.,
2010) or water (Mohd Hasan et al., 2019) to the warm asphalt
which causes a volume expansion in addition to workability
and compatibility of the mixture. Most of the WMAB
additives come with recommended mixing condition from
the manufacturer.
8. Discussions
Presoaking can be considered a better option for allowing the
polymer to swell. This is based on reports which showed
decline in SBS-asphalt blend quality when sheared or stirred
for a prolong duration. This recommendation applies to other
polymers (CR, PE, EVA, etc.) because the easiest time to shear/
disperse the polymer is when it is already soft after swelling.
Alternatively, the polymer-asphalt blend can be subjected to
time before shearing. This will prevent the formation of
polymer cake that usually floats in the asphalt when subjected
to presoaking for long duration. The idea is to minimize the
amount of time needed for high-shear mixing, and the need
for continuous stirring or post-soaking after shear, before
casting of test samples. Because prolong high-shear mixing
was associated with higher oxidation rate and polymer
network deterioration (Larsen et al., 2009). Duration of
sufficient presoaking could be up to 60 min for CR, SBS, and PE.
Simple test such as viscosity test can be used to establish
minimum or optimal mixing duration of various PMA.
Because such mixing duration coincide with that established
using performance-based property test (Kang and Zhang,
2012). Due to the diverse composition of asphalt binder from
different sources and even from the same source but
different batches, PMA studies should endeavor to establish
minimum mixing duration of asphalt-polymer blends
instead of adopting from previous studies. This will prevent
over or under estimation of the observed PMA performance as
compared to potential expected service performance. Adop-
tion of mixing conditions from previous studied is only rec-
ommended where the material properties and mixing
equipment are similar.
Viscosity or G* versus mixing time plot is not suitable for
optimizing epoxy asphalt binder mixing conditions. Because
mechanical and rheological properties of epoxy asphalt
continuously increase with time during the curing process.
The curing process could take 3e4 d in controlled environ-
ment. Therefore, storage temperature and duration of high-
temperature storage are the main mixing variables affecting
the properties of the cured epoxy asphalt. Studies on the field
extracted asphalt are needed to examine the relationship
between laboratory and field cured epoxy asphalt binder
properties.
There is a huge gap in the literature on the effect of mixing
conditions on the performance and properties of various
180 J. Traffic Transp. Eng. (Engl. Ed.) 2023; 10 (2): 159e184

Table 5 e Summary of typical warm mix asphalt binder mixing condition.

Polymer Base Additive Additive dosage Mixing Mixing Mixing Additional Reference
asphalt name temperature speed time detail
( C) (rpm) (min)
NA PG 76-22 Cecabase (Ce) Ce: 0.3% NA 300 5 Medium- Xiao et al. (2012)
PG 64-22 Evotherm (Ev) Ev: 0.5% shear radial
PG 64-16 Rediseta (Re) Re: 1.5% flow impeller
PG 58-28 Sasobit (Sa)b Sa: 1.5%
PG 52-28
NA PG 64, PG Sasobit (Sa) 1.0%, 2.0%, 3.0% 140 NA 30 Electrical Jamshidi et al.
70, PG 76 and 4.0% propeller (2012)
mixer
SBS SBS (3.5%) Sasobit (Sa) Sa: 1.0%, 2.0% and 3% 140 500 30 A mixer Kataware and
(3.5%) Rediset (Re) Re: 1.0%, 2.0% and 3.0% Singh (2017)
Adverac(Ad) Ad: 4.0%, 6.0% and 8.0%
NA NA Rediset 1.0%e3.0% 120e160 300e2000 30 NA Hamzah et al. (2015)
NA 60-80 Pen Sasobit: 1:1 150 4000 30 NA Gao et al. (2018)
Deurexd 1.0%e3.0%
NA NA Cecabase 0.4% 130 NA 15 NA Zelalem et al. (2011)
Evotherm DATe 5.0% 30
Evotherm 3Gf 0.5% 30
Sasobit 1.5% 15
Rediset 2.0% 30
NA PG 64-22 Aspha-ming 5.0% NA NA NA NA Gandhi et al. (2010)
Sasobit 1.5%
NA PG 64-22 Aspha-min 0.3% by mix 120 NA 5 Shear mixer Szabolcs et al. (2009)
sasobit 1.5% by As
a
Note: Consists of chemical components such as tris (2-hydroxyethyl), N-tallow alkyldiaminopropane, polyethyleneamines and diethylene
glycol (AkzoNobel).
b
An asphalt binder additive produced from Fischer-Tropsch (FT) paraffin wax. A long-chain aliphatic hydrocarbon (chain lengths of 40e115
carbon atoms) obtained from coal gasification using the Fischer-Tropsch process.
c
Is a synthetic zeolite (sodium aluminium silicate) which has entrapped water (18%e22%) in its crystalline structure.
d
Natural sugar cane wax or free of paraffins.
e
Evotherm DAT is a mixture of water and a chemical that is pumped directly into the asphalt supply line at the mix plant.
f
Evotherm 3G is a chemicalbased (water-free version).
g
Aspha-minR (denoted as ‘a’), a sodium-aluminum-silicate, which is hydrothermally crystallised into a fine powder.

modified asphalt. Several un-answered questions exist
especially with respect to nano-polymer modified asphalt
and multi-polymer modified asphalt. Addressing this gap is
important because innovation should not be restricted to the
asphalt material composition alone, but must also be
extended to the asphalt composite preparation method.
New, optimized, and or modified methods of mixing asphalt
with modifiers should be explored. For example, there were
no reports of asphalt binder modification using reactive
gases (other than oxygen). In such cases mixing or curing of
modified asphalt could be done in a closed system under a
control pressure.
9. Conclusions and recommendations
This paper examined the laboratory preparation processes of
various modified asphalt and summarizes their optimal mix-
ing conditions where applicable. General steps involved in the
preparation of modified asphalt binder for testing were high-
lighted. Appropriate mixers and mixing speed for the various
steps were discussed. Typical characterization tests and or
properties employed to optimized the mixing conditions of
various modifies asphalt binders were critically reviewed.
Mixing conditions or factors affecting the optimal preparation
and performance of modified asphalt binder were highlighted.
Gaps in the literature on the current practice for the prepa-
ration and reporting of various modified asphalt binder were
discussed.
There is limited effort towards innovating the mixing
process for binder modification to influence the performance
of asphalt binder. Studies have shown that the mixing con-
dition (variables) could significantly influence the final per-
formance of the modified asphalt binder.
Proper attention and care should be given to mixing pro-
cedure while comparing research findings from different
studies. To avoid erroneous research findings and conclu-
sions, material properties and mixing equipment should be
comparable before adopting mixing conditions from previous
studies. Vital details such as the type of blade (geometry, etc.),
sequence of additives mixing, nature of polymer (powder or
pellets, etc.), base asphalt binder composition (SARA fraction),
etc., should not be missing from the methodology section of
PMA study. Articles with incomplete mixing details are in-
reproducible and could lead to propagation of wrong research
findings and practices.
Given the limited and common types of polymers utilized
for the modification of asphalt binder, it is possible to
 J. Traffic Transp. Eng. (Engl. Ed.) 2023; 10 (2): 159e184
standardize the mixing procedure for several polymers. Doing
so could ease research continuity and facilitates accurate
comparison of new studies with earlier ones. Because
currently, there is no clear standardized definition of term
associated with asphalt binder preparation process. For
example, what is considered as stirring in one study could be
described as high shear mixing in another. This creates
inconsistent and less reliable methodology across studies on
modified asphalt binders.
Conflict of interest
The authors do not have any conflict of interest with other
entities or researchers.
references
Al-Abdul Wahhab, H.I., Dalhat, M.A., Habib, M.A., 2017. Storage
stability and high-temperature performance of asphalt
binder modified with recycled plastic. Road Materials and
Pavement Design 18 (5), 1117e1134.
Al-Dubabe, I.A., Al-Abdul Wahhab, H.I., Asi, I.M., et al., 1998.
Polymer modification of Arab asphalt. Journal of Materials in
Civil Engineering 10 (3), 161e167.
Alam, S., Hossain, Z., 2017. Changes in fractional compositions of
PPA and SBS modified asphalt binders. Construction and
Building Materials 152, 386e393.
Alghrafy, Y.M., Abd Alla, E.-S.M., El-Badawy, S.M., 2021.
Rheological properties and aging performance of sulfur
extended asphalt modified with recycled polyethylene
waste. Construction and Building Materials 273, 121771.
Ameri, M., Mansourian, A., Sheikhmotevali, A.H., 2013.
Laboratory evaluation of ethylene vinyl acetate modified
bitumens and mixtures based upon performance related
parameters. Construction and Building Materials 40,
438e447.
Amir, K., Peyman, B., 2016. Investigating fatigue behavior of
nanoclay and nano hydrated lime modified bitumen using
LAS test. Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering 28, 4015136.
Apostolidis, P., Liu, X., Erkens, S., et al., 2019. Evaluation of epoxy
modification in bitumen. Construction and Building Materials
208, 361e368.
Apostolidis, P., Liu, X., Erkens, S., et al., 2022. Oxidative aging of
epoxy asphalt. International Journal of Pavement
Engineering 23 (5), 1471e1481.
Baldino, N., Gabriele, D., Lupi, F.R., et al., 2013. Rheological effects
on bitumen of polyphosphoric acid (PPA) addition.
Construction and Building Materials 40, 397e404.
Behnood, A., Olek, J., 2017. Rheological properties of asphalt
binders modified with styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS),
ground tire rubber (GTR), or polyphosphoric acid (PPA).
Construction and Building Materials 151, 464e478.
Billiter, T.C., Davison, R.R., Glover, C.J., et al., 1997. Production of
asphalt-rubber binders by high-cure conditions.
Transporation Research Record 1586, 50e56.
Capita ~ o, S.D., Picado-Santos, L.G., Martinho, F., 2012. Pavement
engineering materials: review on the use of warm-mix
asphalt. Construction and Building Materials 36, 1016e1024.
Celauro, B., Celauro, C., Lo Presti, D., et al., 2012. Definition of a
laboratory optimization protocol for road bitumen improved
with recycled tire rubber. Construction and Building
Materials 37, 562e572.
181
Chen, J., Huang, C., 2007. Fundamental characterization of SBS-
modified asphalt mixed with sulfur. Journal of Applied
Polymer Science 103, 2817e2825.
Chen, C., Williams, R.C., Podolsky, J.H., et al., 2021. Effect of
blending protocol on the performance of SBS/sulfur/
soybean-derived additive composite modified hard asphalt.
International Journal of Pavement Engineering 22, 1504e1517.
Cheng, Y., Han, H., Fang, C., et al., 2020. Preparation and
properties of nano-CaCO3/waste polyethylene/styrene-
butadiene-styrene block polymer-modified asphalt. Polymer
Composites 41, 614e623.
Cong, P., Chen, S., Yu, J., et al., 2011. Compatibility and
mechanical properties of epoxy resin modified asphalt
binders. International Journal of Pavement Research and
Technology 4, 118e123.
Cong, P., Luo, W., Xu, P., et al., 2019. Chemical and physical
properties of hot mixing epoxy asphalt binders. Construction
and Building Materials 198, 1e9.
Cong, P., Tian, Y., Liu, N., et al., 2016. Investigation of epoxy-resin-
modified asphalt binder. Journal of Applied Polymer Science
133 (21), 43401.
Cong, P., Xun, P., Xing, M., et al., 2013. Investigation of asphalt
binder containing various crumb rubbers and asphalts.
Construction and Building Materials 40, 632e641.
Dalhat, M.A., Al-Abdul Wahhab, H.I., 2017. Performance of recycled
plastic waste modified asphalt binder in Saudi Arabia.
International Journal of Pavement Engineering 18 (4), 349e357.
de Carcer,
I.A., Masegosa, R.M., Teresa Vin ~ as, M., et al., 2014.
Storage stability of SBS/sulfur modified bitumens at high
temperature: influence of bitumen composition and
structure. Construction and Building Materials 52, 245e252.
Dehouche, N., Kaci, M., Mouillet, V., 2016. The effects of mixing
rate on morphology and physical properties of bitumen/
organo-modified montmorillonite nanocomposites.
Construction and Building Materials 114, 76e86.
Dessouky, S., Contreras, D., Sanchez, J., et al., 2013. Influence of
hindered phenol additives on the rheology of aged polymer-
modified bitumen. Construction and Building Materials 38,
214e223.
Ding, G., Yu, X., Si, J., et al., 2021. Influence of epoxy soybean oil
modified nano-silica on the compatibility of cold-mixed
epoxy asphalt. Materials and Structures 54, 16(2021).
Dong, D., Huang, X., Li, X., et al., 2012. Swelling process of rubber
in asphalt and its effect on the structure and properties of
rubber and asphalt. Construction and Building Materials 29,
316e322.
Dong, F., Yu, X., Liu, S., et al., 2016. Rheological behaviors and
microstructure of SBS/CR composite modified hard asphalt.
Construction and Building Materials 115, 285e293.
Dong, F., Zhao, W., Zhang, Y., et al., 2014. Influence of SBS and
asphalt on SBS dispersion and the performance of modified
asphalt. Construction and Building Materials 62, 1e7.
Domingos, M.D.I., Faxina, A.L., 2014. Creep-recovery behavior of
asphalt binders modified with SBS and PPA. Journal of
Materials in Civil Engineering 26, 781e783.
Ezzat, H., El-Badawy, S., Gabr, A., et al., 2016. Evaluation of asphalt
binders modified with nanoclay and nanosilica. Procedia
Engineering 143, 1260e1267.
Fang, C., Liu, P., Yu, R., et al., 2014. Preparation process to affect
stability in waste polyethylene-modified bitumen.
Construction and Building Materials 54, 320e325.
Fang, C., Wu, C., Yu, R., et al., 2013. Aging properties and
mechanism of the modified asphalt by packaging waste
polyethylene and waste rubber powder. Polymers for
Advanced Technologies 24, 51e55.
Fang, C., Yu, X., Yu, R., et al., 2016. Preparation and properties of
isocyanate and nano particles composite modified asphalt.
Construction and Building Materials 119, 113e118.
182 J. Traffic Transp. Eng. (Engl. Ed.) 2023; 10 (2): 159e184
Fang, C., Zhang, M., Yu, R., et al., 2015a. Effect of preparation
temperature on the aging properties of waste polyethylene
modified asphalt. Journal of Materials Science & Technology
31, 320e324.
Fang, C., Zhang, Y., Yu, R., et al., 2015b. Effect of organic
montmorillonite on the hot storage stability of asphalt
modified by waste packaging polyethylene. Journal of Vinyl
Additive Technology 21, 89e93.
Faramarzi, M., Arabani, M., Haghi, A.K., et al., 2015. Carbon
Nanotubes-modified asphalt binder: preparation and
characterization. International Journal of Pavement Research
Technology 8, 29e37.
Feng, J., Nunes, J.K., Shin, S., et al., 2016. A scalable platform for
functional nanomaterials via bubble-bursting. Advomced
Materials 28, 4047e4052.
Gandhi, T., Rogers, W., Amirkhanian, S., 2010. Laboratory
evaluation of warm mix asphalt ageing characteristics.
International Journal of Pavement Engineering 11, 133e142.
Gao, J., Yan, K., He, W., et al., 2018. High temperature
performance of asphalt modified with Sasobit and Deurex.
Construction and Building Materials 164, 783e791.
Gao, G., Zhang, Y., Zhang, Y., et al., 2002. Enhanced
performance of LDPE/SBS blend modified asphalt through
dynamic vulcanization. Polymers and Polymers Composites
10, 433e440.
Garcı́a-Morales, M., Partal, P., Navarro, F.J., et al., 2007. Processing,
rheology, and storage stability of recycled EVA/LDPE modified
bitumen. Polymer Engineering Science 47, 181e191.
Geng, J., Li, H., Sheng, Y., 2014. Changing regularity of SBS in the
aging process of polymer modified asphalt binder based on
GPC analysis. International Journal of Pavement Research
and Technology 7, 77e82.
Ghavibazoo, A., Abdelrahman, M., Ragab, M., 2013. Mechanism of
crumb rubber modifier dissolution into asphalt matrix
and its effect on final physical properties of crumb rubber-
modified binder. Transportation Research Record 2370,
92e101.
Gonza
lez, V., Martı́nez-Boza, F.J., Gallegos, C., et al., 2012. A study
into the processing of bitumen modified with tire crumb
rubber and polymeric additives. Fuel Processing Technology
95, 137e143.
Hamzah, M.O., Golchin, B., Jamshidi, A., et al., 2015. Evaluation of
rediset for use in warm-mix asphalt: a review of the
literatures. International Journal of Pavement Engineering
16, 809e831.
Huang, W., Tang, N., 2015. Characterizing SBS modified asphalt
with sulfur using multiple stress creep recovery test.
Construction and Building Materials 93, 514e521.
Hussein, I.A., Iqbal, M.H., Al-Abdul Wahhab, H.I., 2005. Influence
of Mw of LDPE and vinyl acetate content of EVA on the
rheology of polymer modified asphalt. Rheologica Acta 45,
92e104.
Jahromi, S.G., Khodaii, A., 2009. Effects of nanoclay on rheological
properties of bitumen binder. Construction and Building
Materials 23, 2894e2904.
Jamshidi, A., Hamzah, M.O., Aman, M.Y., 2012. Effects of Sasobit®
content on the rheological characteristics of unaged and aged
asphalt binders at high and intermediate temperatures.
Materials Research 15, 628e638.
Jiang, Y., Liu, Y., Gong, J., et al., 2018. Microstructures, thermal
and mechanical properties of epoxy asphalt binder modified
by SBS containing various styrene-butadiene structures.
Materials and Structures 51, 86.
Kang, A., Zhang, W., 2012. Study on performance and microstructure
of SBS modified asphalt during shearing process. Applied
Mechanics Materials 1802 (178e181), 1442e1447.
Karahrodi, M.H., Jazani, O.M., Paran, S.M.R., et al., 2017.
Modification of thermal and rheological characteristics of
bitumen by waste PET/GTR blends. Construction and
Building Materials 134, 157e166.
Kataware, A.V., Singh, D., 2017. Evaluating effectiveness of WMA
additives for SBS modified binder based on viscosity,
Superpave PG, rutting and fatigue performance. Construction
and Building Materials 146, 436e444.
Khattak, M.J., Khattab, A., Rizvi, H.R., et al., 2012. The impact of
carbon nano-fiber modification on asphalt binder rheology.
Construction and Building Materials 30, 257e264.
Kumar, A., Choudhary, R., Kumar, A., 2020. Characterisation of
asphalt binder modified with ethylene-propylene-diene-
monomer (EPDM) rubber waste from automobile industry.
Road Materials and Pavement Design 22 (9), 1e25.
Larsen, D.O., Alessandrini, J.L., Bosch, A., et al., 2009. Micro-
structural and rheological characteristics of SBS-asphalt
blends during their manufacturing. Construction and
Building Materials 23, 2769e2774.
Leng, Z., Tan, Z., Yu, H., et al., 2019. Improvement of storage
stability of SBS-modified asphalt with nanoclay using a new
mixing method. Road Materials and Pavement Design 20,
1601e1614.
Li, J., Han, M., Muhammad, Y., et al., 2018. Comparative analysis,
road performance and mechanism of modification of
polystyrene graphene nanoplatelets (PS-GNPs) and octadecyl
amine graphene nanoplatelets (ODA-GNPs) modified SBS
incorporated asphalt binders. Construction and Building
Materials 193, 501e517.
Li, B., Huang, W., Tang, N., et al., 2017a. Evolution of components
distribution and its effect on low temperature properties of
terminal blend rubberized asphalt binder. Construction and
Building Materials 136, 598e608.
Li, X., Li, J., Wang, J., et al., 2021. Recent applications and
developments of polyurethane materials in pavement
engineering. Construction and Building Materials 304,
124639.
Li, R., Xiao, F., Amirkhanian, S., et al., 2017b. Developments of
nano materials and technologies on asphalt materialsea
review. Construction and Building Materials 143, 633e648.
Liang, M., Xin, X., Fan, W., et al., 2019. Phase behavior and hot
storage characteristics of asphalt modified with various
polyethylene: experimental and numerical characterizations.
Construction and Building Materials 203, 608e620.
Liu, Y., Zhang, J., Jiang, Y., et al., 2018. Investigation of secondary
phase separation and mechanical properties of epoxy SBS-
modified asphalts. Construction and Building Materials 165,
163e172.
Liu, H., Zhang, Z., Li, Z., et al., 2021b. Effects of polyphosphoric
acid (PPA), styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS), or rock asphalt
on the performance of desulfurized rubber modified asphalt.
Journal of Applied Polymer Science 138, 50621.
Liu, F., Zheng, M., Fan, X., et al., 2021a. Properties and
mechanism of waterborne epoxy resin-SBR composite
modified emulsified asphalt. Construction and Building
Materials 274, 122059.
Lu, X., Isacsson, U., Ekblad, J., 1999. Rheological properties of
SEBS, EVA and EBA polymer modified bitumens. Materials
and Structures 32, 131e139.
Mansourian, A., Goahri, A.R., Khosrowshahi, F.K., 2019.
Performance evaluation of asphalt binder modified with
EVA/HDPE/nanoclay based on linear and non-linear
viscoelastic behaviors. Construction and Building Materials
208, 554e563.
Martı́nez-Anzures, J.D., Zapie
n-Castillo, S., Salazar-Cruz, B.A.,
et al., 2019. Preparation and properties of modified asphalt
using branch SBS/nanoclay nanocomposite as a modifier.
Road Materials and Pavement Design 20, 1275e1290.
Martı́nez-Estrada, A., Cha
vez-Castellanos, A.E., Herrera-
Alonso, M., et al., 2010. Comparative study of the effect of
 J. Traffic Transp. Eng. (Engl. Ed.) 2023; 10 (2): 159e184
sulfur on the morphology and rheological properties of SB-
and SBS-modified asphalt. Journal of Applied Polymer
Scicence 115, 3409e3422.
Medina, J.G., Giancontieri, G., Lo Presti, D., 2020. Quality control of
manufacturing and hot storage of crumb rubber modified
binders. Construction and Building Materials 233, 117351.
Mohammadiroudbari, M., Tavakoli, A., Razavi Aghjeh, M.K., et al.,
2016. Effect of nanoclay on the morphology of polyethylene
modified bitumen. Construction and Building Materials 116,
245e251.
Mohd Hasan, M.R., You, Z., Yin, H., et al., 2019. Characterizations
of foamed asphalt binders prepared using combinations of
physical and chemical foaming agents. Construction and
Building Materials 204, 94e104.
Mortezaei, M., Shabani, S., Mohammadian-Gerzaz, S., 2020.
Assessing the effects of premixing on the rheological
properties for three-phases asphalt binder nano-composite
including clay and SBS. Construction and Building Materials
231, 117151.
Motamedi, M., Shafabakhsh, G., Azadi, M., 2021. Evaluation of
fatigue and rutting properties of asphalt binder and mastic
modified by synthesized polyurethane. Journal of Traffic
and Transportation Engineering (English Edition) 8 (6),
1036e1048.
Nun ~ ez, J.Y.M., Domingos, M.D.I., Faxina, A.L., 2014. Susceptibility
of low-density polyethylene and polyphosphoric acid-
modified asphalt binders to rutting and fatigue cracking.
Construction and Building Materials 73, 509e514.
Ouyang, C., Gao, Q., Shi, Y., et al., 2012. Compatibilizer in waste
tire powder and low-density polyethylene blends and the
blends modified asphalt. Journal of Applied Polymer Science
123, 485e492.
Porto, M., Caputo, P., Loise, V., et al., 2019. Bitumen and bitumen
modification: a review on latest advances. Applied Science 9
(4), 742.
Ren, S., Liu, X., Fan, W., et al., 2019. Rheological properties,
compatibility, and storage stability of SBS latex-modified
asphalt. Materials 12 (2), 3683.
Sadiq Bhat, F., Shafi Mir, M., 2021. A study investigating the influence
of nano Al2O3 on the performance of SBS modified asphalt binder.
Construction and Building Materials 271, 121499.
Sengoz, B., Isikyakar, G., 2008. Analysis of styrene-butadiene-
styrene polymer modified bitumen using fluorescent
microscopy and conventional test methods. Journal of
Hazardous Materials 150, 424e432.
Shan, L., Xie, R., Wagner, N.J., et al., 2019. Microstructure of neat
and SBS modified asphalt binder by small-angle neutron
scattering. Fuel 253, 1589e1596.
Si, J., Li, Y., Wang, J., et al., 2020. Improving the compatibility of
cold-mixed epoxy asphalt based on the epoxidized soybean
oil. Construction and Building Materials 243, 118235.
Siddique, R., Naik, T.R., 2004. Properties of concrete containing
scrap-tire rubberean overview. Waste Management 24 (6),
563e569.
Sienkiewicz, M., Borze˛dowska-Labuda, K., Zalewski, S., et al.,
2017. The effect of tyre rubber grinding method on the
rubber-asphalt binder properties. Construction and Building
Materials 154, 144e154.
Staver, M., Arabzadeh, A., Forrester, M., et al., 2022. The influence
of long blending duration on physical and chemical properties
of dual polymer modified asphalt binder with rejuvenator.
Materials and Structures 55, 163.
Sun, M., Zheng, M., Qu, G., et al., 2018. Performance of
polyurethane modified asphalt and its mixtures.
Construction and Building Materials 191, 386e397.
Szabolcs, B., Tejash, G., Serji, A., 2009. Midrange temperature
rheological properties of warm asphalt binders. Journal of
Materials in Civil Engineering 21, 316e323.
183
Tang, N., Huang, W., Xiao, F., 2016. Chemical and rheological
investigation of high-cured crumb rubber-modified asphalt.
Construction and Building Materials 123, 847e854.
tur Rasool, R., Wang, S., Zhang, Y., et al., 2017. Improving the
aging resistance of SBS modified asphalt with the addition of
highly reclaimed rubber. Construction and Building Materials
145, 126e134.
Vamegh, M., Ameri, M., Chavoshian Naeni, S.F., 2019.
Performance evaluation of fatigue resistance of asphalt
mixtures modified by SBR/PP polymer blends and SBS.
Construction and Building Materials 209, 202e214.
Vargas, M.A., Vargas, M.A., Sa
nchez-So
lis, A., et al., 2013. Asphalt/
polyethylene blends: rheological properties, microstructure
and viscosity modeling. Construction and Building Materials
45, 243e250.
Wen, G., Zhang, Y., Zhang, Y., et al., 2002. Improved properties of
SBS-modified asphalt with dynamic vulcanization. Polymer
Engineering & Science 42, 10701081.
Wu, S., He, R., Chen, H., et al., 2020. Rheological properties of SBS/
CRP composite modified asphalt under different aging
treatments. Materials 13 (21), 4921.
Xiao, F., Amirkhanian, S., Wang, H., et al., 2014. Rheological
property investigations for polymer and polyphosphoric acid
modified asphalt binders at high temperatures. Construction
and Building Materials 64, 316e323.
Xiao, F., Punith, V.S., Amirkhanian, S.N., 2012. Effects of non-
foaming WMA additives on asphalt binders at high
performance temperatures. Fuel 94, 144e155.
Xie, J., Zhang, Y., Yang, Y., 2020. Study on preparation method of
terminal blend rubberized asphalt binder. Frontiers in
Materials 7, 249.
Yang, Z., Wang, L., Bin, X., et al., 2021. Performance of SBS
modifier-crumb rubber composite modified asphalt used as
an anti-wear layer of perpetual pavement. International
Journal of Pavement Engineering 23 (12), 4097e4111.
Yang, J., Zhang, Z., Fang, Y., et al., 2020. Performance
characterization of waterborne epoxy resin and styrene-
butadiene rubber latex composite modified asphalt emulsion
(WESAE). Coatings 10, 352.
Yildirim, Y., 2007. Polymer modified asphalt binders.
Construction and Building Materials 21, 66e72.
You, L., You, Z., Dai, Q., et al., 2018. Assessment of nanoparticles
dispersion in asphalt during bubble escaping and bursting:
nano hydrated lime modified foamed asphalt. Construction
and Building Materials 184, 391e399.
Zapie
n-Castillo, S., Rivera-Armenta, J.L., Cha
vez-Cinco, M.Y.,
et al., 2016. Physical and rheological properties of asphalt
modified with SEBS/montmorillonite nanocomposite.
Construction and Building Materials 106, 349e356.
Zelalem, A., Amit, B., Arash, M., et al., 2011. Influence of warm-
mix additives and reduced aging on the rheology of asphalt
binders with different natural wax contents. Journal of
Materials Civil Engineering 23, 1453e1459.
Zhang, F., Hu, C., 2013. The research for SBS and SBR compound
modified asphalts with polyphosphoric acid and sulfur.
Construction and Building Materials 43, 461e468.
Zhang, F., Hu, C., Zhang, Y., 2018. Research for SEBS/PPA
compound-modified asphalt. Journal of Applied Polymer
Science 135, 46085.
Zhang, Z., Li, J., Wang, Z., et al., 2020a. Preparation and
performance characterization of a novel high-performance
epoxy resin modified reactive liquid asphalt. Construction
and Building Materials 263, 120113.
Zhang, J., Su, W., Liu, Y., et al., 2021. Laboratory investigation on the
microstructure and performance of SBS modified epoxy asphalt
binder. Construction and Building Materials 270, 121378.
Zhang, Z., Sun, J., Jia, M., et al., 2020b. Study on a thermosetting
polyurethane modified asphalt suitable for bridge deck
184 J. Traffic Transp. Eng. (Engl. Ed.) 2023; 10 (2): 159e184
pavements: formula and properties. Construction and
Building Materials 241, 118122.
Zhang, H., Zhu, C., Tan, B., et al., 2014. Effect of organic layered
silicate on microstructures and aging properties of styrene-
butadiene-styrene copolymer modified bitumen.
Construction and Building Materials 68, 31e38.
Dr. M.A. Dalhat obtained his B.Eng in civil
engineering at Ahmadu Bello University,
Nigeria, in 2010. He then proceeded to King
Fahd University of Petroleum and Mineral
on scholarship to obtained his MSc and PhD
in transportation and pavement materials
from 2011 to 2016. He worked in KFUPM as
research assistant during his MSc and as
lecturer during his PhD. He carried out
research and participated in several studies
related to pavement materials. He authored
several publications in ISI journals in the same subject. His
research interest is sustainable transportation and pavement
materials. He currently works as associate professor at Trans-
portation and Traffic Engineering Department of Imam Abdul-
rahman Bin Faisal University.
Dr. Khaleel Al-Adham obtained his PhD in
pavement materials and evaluation from
King Fahd University of Petroleum and
Minerals, Saudi Arabia, in 2018. He studied
for his MSc from the same university from
2012 to 2014. He finished his BSc studies in
civil engineering at An-Najah National Uni-
versity, Palestine, in 2008. His research in-
terests include performance evaluation of
polymer modified asphalt concrete mixes,
sustainable materials for road construction,
rheology of polymer modified asphalt binders at desert environ-
ment. He co-authored several scientific publications in these
areas. He currently works as technical manager at Shibh Al-Jazira
Contracting Company overlooking the design and construction of
various civil engineering projects.