Polymers

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3 pages, 169 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Polymeric Composites in Road and Bridge Engineering: Characterization, Production and Application

by Wensheng Wang, Yongchun Cheng, Heping Chen and Guojin Tan

Polymers 2023, 15(4), 874; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15040874 - 10 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1304

Abstract

As a result of their rapid development, polymer composites are seeing wider use in transportation infrastructure in China and worldwide [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Composites in Road and Bridge Engineering: Characterization, Production and Application)

Research

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14 pages, 2417 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on Anti-Aging Performance Enhancement of Polymer Modified Asphalt with High Linear SBS Content

by Daqian Han, Guosheng Hu and Jingting Zhang

Polymers 2023, 15(2), 256; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15020256 - 4 Jan 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2330

Abstract

Modified asphalt with high content SBS is widely used in asphalt pavement due to its excellent high and low temperature performance. However, its anti-aging performance is insufficient. In order to improve the anti-aging performance of SBS modified asphalt, nano-ZnO, nano-TiO₂, nano-SiO [...] Read more.

Modified asphalt with high content SBS is widely used in asphalt pavement due to its excellent high and low temperature performance. However, its anti-aging performance is insufficient. In order to improve the anti-aging performance of SBS modified asphalt, nano-ZnO, nano-TiO₂, nano-SiO₂ and polyphosphoric acid (PPA) were added to high content (6.5 wt%) linear SBS modified asphalt as anti-aging agents in this study. Moreover, Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR), Fluorescence Microscope, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy were employed to reveal the mechanism, through the investigation of the rheological and microscopic properties of modified asphalt before and after aging. The results showed that the influence of nanoparticles on the rutting resistance and fatigue resistance of high content SBS modified asphalt is weak, mainly because there is only weak physical interaction between nanoparticles and the SBS modifier, but no obvious chemical reaction. The significant cross-networking structure of high content SBS modified asphalt even has an adverse effect on the anti-aging performance of nano-modifiers. However, PPA obviously makes the cross-linked network structure of SBS modified asphalt more compact, and significantly improves the performance after short-term aging and long-term aging, mainly due to the chemical reaction between PPA and the active groups in SBS modified asphalt. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Composites in Road and Bridge Engineering: Characterization, Production and Application)

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14 pages, 4114 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Factors Influencing the Low-Temperature Properties of Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene Modified Asphalt Based on Orthogonal Tests

by Suhua Chen, Enwei Jin, Gang Xu, Shangzhi Zhuo and Xianhua Chen

Polymers 2023, 15(1), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15010052 - 23 Dec 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1672

Abstract

Styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) is widely used in asphalt modification to obtain superior high-temperature performance. Nevertheless, studies on the low-temperature properties of SBS-modified asphalt are not satisfactory. Orthogonal tests are valid in analysing the results. In this paper, the main factors (SBS content, sulfur content, [...] Read more.

Styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) is widely used in asphalt modification to obtain superior high-temperature performance. Nevertheless, studies on the low-temperature properties of SBS-modified asphalt are not satisfactory. Orthogonal tests are valid in analysing the results. In this paper, the main factors (SBS content, sulfur content, and the addition of rubber processing oil) for improving the low-temperature performance of SBS-modified asphalt were analyzed base on the orthogonal tests. Firstly, the frequency sweep test, bending beam rheometer (BBR) test, and force-ductility test were conducted to evaluate the low-temperature properties of SBS-modified asphalt. Investigation of low-temperature parameters obtained through these tests was conducted base on the orthogonal analysis method. The G-R parameter was abandoned in the analysis of the orthogonal method for the result that the increase of SBS content was negative to the low-temperature properties by the Glover-Rowe (G-R) parameter, which were contrary to the results of BBR and force-ductility tests. Moreover, the other parameters (ΔT_c and toughness) sorted according to the orthogonal analysis method indicated the effect on low-temperature performance of the SBS-modified asphalt as SBS content > rubber processing oil > sulfur. As shown above that both SBS and rubber processing oil play a critical role in improving the low-temperature properties of SBS-modified asphalt, for SBS could resist the generation and subsequent propagation of cracks while the rubber processing oil could supplement the maltene loss. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Composites in Road and Bridge Engineering: Characterization, Production and Application)

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14 pages, 2107 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Value Coefficient of Polyethylene Fiber Soil Embankment Slope Based on Response Surface Analysis

by Yafeng Gong, Jiaxiang Song, Yulong He and Guirong Ma

Polymers 2022, 14(20), 4295; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14204295 - 13 Oct 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1437

Abstract

The utilization of polymers can strengthen soil, but at a high price. In this study, value coefficients were proposed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of fiber-reinforced roadbeds, and the effects of embankment-slope-influencing factors on the value coefficients were analyzed by response surface methodology. Ultrahigh-molecular-weight [...] Read more.

The utilization of polymers can strengthen soil, but at a high price. In this study, value coefficients were proposed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of fiber-reinforced roadbeds, and the effects of embankment-slope-influencing factors on the value coefficients were analyzed by response surface methodology. Ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene fiber (UPEF) was used as the reinforcement material for soil. First, the shear strength parameters of fiber soil with different fiber diameters were obtained from the direct shear tests to set the parameters of the finite element models. Second, three factors, namely filling height, slope angle, and fiber diameter, were selected as input parameters based on the Box–Behnken Design (BBD) experimental design method, and their effects on the value coefficient of the fiber soil embankment slope were investigated. Finally, the design parameters at the maximum value coefficient of the fiber soil embankment slope were determined based on the results of the response surface analysis. The results indicated that the addition of UPEF could effectively improve the cohesion of the soil; the interaction between the filling height and fiber diameter is most obvious. The optimization of design parameters based on the value coefficient of the fiber soil slope is a slope-engineering design method considering comprehensive benefits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Composites in Road and Bridge Engineering: Characterization, Production and Application)

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25 pages, 8644 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Road Performance Investigation on Fiber-Reinforced Recycled Cement Base Material

by Yongcheng Ji, Wenhao Ji, Ziyi Zhang and Rui Wang

Polymers 2022, 14(19), 4102; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14194102 - 30 Sep 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1657

Abstract

The characteristics of the materials used in early buildings in China have led to a large proportion of discarded red bricks among the construction waste generated by demolishing abandoned buildings. The application of red brick aggregate with a particle size ≤5 mm and [...] Read more.

The characteristics of the materials used in early buildings in China have led to a large proportion of discarded red bricks among the construction waste generated by demolishing abandoned buildings. The application of red brick aggregate with a particle size ≤5 mm and red brick powder with particle size 0.125~0.75 mm (referred to as recycled brick powder) was studied in this study after the crushing of waste red brick in road structures. The research results will provide a theoretical basis for the whole-grain recycling of waste red brick aggregate. The aggregate of red brick with a particle size smaller than 2 mm was mixed with different amounts of cement soil and fiber to prepare a cement-stable binder for the sub-base material. The recycled brick powder of 0.125~0.75 mm was used to replace the quartz sand with different substitution rates. As pavement materials, different amounts of fiber were used to prepare fiber-reinforced recycled-brick-powder cementitious composites. The optimal mixing ratio of the two materials was evaluated from the mechanical properties. The results showed that the optimal mixing ratio of the cement-stable binder was as follows: waste-red-brick-aggregate content was 50%, cement content was 4%, and fiber content was 0.2%. The optimum ratio of fiber-reinforced recycled-brick-powder cementitious composites was determined to be as follows: the replacement rate of recycled brick powder is 25%, and the content of PVA fiber is 1%. The regression analysis was used to fit the equations between the fiber content and the 7d unconfined compressive strength and the tensile strength of the cement-stabilized binder for different red-brick-aggregate admixtures at 4% cement content. A scanning electron microscope was used to observe the failure modes of the fiber. The influence of failure modes, such as pulling out, fracture, and plastic deformation, on the mechanical properties was expounded. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Composites in Road and Bridge Engineering: Characterization, Production and Application)

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17 pages, 6451 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Laboratory Experiments and Numerical Simulation Study of Composite-Material-Modified Loess Improving High-Speed Railway Subgrade

by Li Luo, Xingang Wang, Chen Xue, Daozheng Wang and Baoqin Lian

Polymers 2022, 14(15), 3215; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14153215 - 8 Aug 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2661

Abstract

Construction of high-speed railway subgrade on loess soils in the Loess Plateau is risky because such soil is susceptible to differential settlements. Various soil-improvement methods have been used to enhance the mechanical properties of loess. Lime-ash soil and cement-lime soil are the most [...] Read more.

Construction of high-speed railway subgrade on loess soils in the Loess Plateau is risky because such soil is susceptible to differential settlements. Various soil-improvement methods have been used to enhance the mechanical properties of loess. Lime-ash soil and cement-lime soil are the most commonly used methods in the improvement of loess subgrade, while few studies have been found on loess subgrade improvement by using composite material consisting of traditional materials and new materials. A series of direct shear tests and unconfined compressive tests were conducted on the loess specimen with the addition of three kinds of composite materials: traditional material cement, new material polypropylene fiber and SCA-2 soil curing agent. The numerical simulation was conducted on loess subgrade in an actual engineering practice. The experimental results show that cement, polypropylene fiber and SCA-2 soil curing agent can effectively improve the shear strength and compressive strength of loess, and the influence degree is cement > fiber > curing agent. Additionally, based on the relative strength characteristics of the improved loess, an optimal improvement scheme for the composite-material-modified loess was obtained: 16% cement content + 0.5% fiber content + 4% curing agent content. The numerical simulation results revealed that the compressive strength index of the improved loess has a significant impact on the subgrade settlement, and the optimal improvement scheme obtained from comprehensive analysis can effectively improve the settlement of high-speed railway subgrade under vibration load. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Composites in Road and Bridge Engineering: Characterization, Production and Application)

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13 pages, 1935 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fatigue Properties and Its Prediction of Polymer Concrete for the Repair of Asphalt Pavements

by Senzhi Ren and Xin Hu

Polymers 2022, 14(14), 2941; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14142941 - 20 Jul 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1831

Abstract

Polymer concrete (PC) is considered a promising repair material for asphalt pavement, since it has excellent paving performance and water stability. Although the mechanical properties of PC have been widely researched, the fatigue behavior of PC under traffic loads was still poorly understood. [...] Read more.

Polymer concrete (PC) is considered a promising repair material for asphalt pavement, since it has excellent paving performance and water stability. Although the mechanical properties of PC have been widely researched, the fatigue behavior of PC under traffic loads was still poorly understood. To predict the fatigue life and optimize the material design of PC, the semi-circular bending (SCB) tests were performed, considering different polymer content, sand ratio, aggregate features and stress condition. Two typical polymer materials were applied to prepare PC specimens, including epoxy resin (ER) and polyurethane (PU). The aggregate features were analyzed by the aggregate image measurement system. The mechanical behavior under repeated loads was investigated by the displacement, fatigue life and stiffness modulus. Results show that the flexural strength increases nonlinearly with the increasing polymer content, rapidly at first, and then slowly. The optimized polymer content and sand ratio were respectively 15% and 30%. As the loading number increases, the vertical displacement of PC shows three stages, i.e., undamaged stage, damage development stage, and fatigue failure stage. The stiffness modulus of the specimen is stress-dependent. An empirical model was developed to predict the fatigue life of PC, which can effectively capture the effects of the polymer content, sand ratio and stress level (or nominal stress ratio). It suggests that the fatigue life has a strong correlation with the mixing gradation, and the optimal sand ratio of PC can be determined by the proposed function. Moreover, the effect of aggregate shapes cannot be neglected. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Composites in Road and Bridge Engineering: Characterization, Production and Application)

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12 pages, 2586 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanical Characteristics of Lime-Treated Subgrade Soil Improved by Polypropylene Fiber and Class F Fly Ash

by Wei Wang, Beifeng Lv, Chen Zhang, Na Li and Shaoyun Pu

Polymers 2022, 14(14), 2921; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14142921 - 19 Jul 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1881

Abstract

To improve the limitations of lime-treated subgrade soil (LS), a series of unconsolidated and undrained triaxial tests were conducted to investigate the improvement effect of fiber modified lime-treated soil (PLS) and fly ash modified lime-treated soil (FLS). The test results showed that (1) [...] Read more.

To improve the limitations of lime-treated subgrade soil (LS), a series of unconsolidated and undrained triaxial tests were conducted to investigate the improvement effect of fiber modified lime-treated soil (PLS) and fly ash modified lime-treated soil (FLS). The test results showed that (1) The deviatoric stress-strain curves of LS, PLS, and FLS were basically of the softening type. (2) The addition of fiber and fly ash improved the ductility and stiffness of LS. The ductility of PLS increased by 134% compared with LS, while the mechanical strength of FLS increased by 53%. (3) The microscopic tests showed that a denser skeleton structure was generated inside LS with the addition of fiber and fly ash. (4) The deviatoric stress-strain curves of LS, PLS, and FLS under different confining pressures were better characterized with the CES curve model. The above results indicate that fiber and fly ash can effectively improve the mechanical characteristics of lime-treated subgrade soil. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Composites in Road and Bridge Engineering: Characterization, Production and Application)

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17 pages, 8671 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Triaxial Mechanical Properties and Mechanism of Waterborne Polyurethane-Reinforced Road Demolition Waste as Road Bases

by Beifeng Lv, Yinuo Zhao, Na Li, Yanfei Yu, Yanting Wu and Miaojie Gu

Polymers 2022, 14(13), 2725; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14132725 - 3 Jul 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1808

Abstract

The recycling and reuse of construction waste have not only effectively protected natural resources but also promoted the sustainable development of the environment. Therefore, in this article, waterborne polyurethane (WPU) as a promising new polymer reinforcement material was proposed to reinforce the road [...] Read more.

The recycling and reuse of construction waste have not only effectively protected natural resources but also promoted the sustainable development of the environment. Therefore, in this article, waterborne polyurethane (WPU) as a promising new polymer reinforcement material was proposed to reinforce the road demolition waste (RDW), and the mechanical performance of WPU-reinforced RDW (named PURD) was investigated using triaxial unconsolidated and undrained shear (UU) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) tests. The results showed that under the same curing time and confining pressure, the shear strength of PURD increased with the increase in WPU content. When the WPU content was 6%, the WPU presented the best reinforcement effect on RA. The failure strain of PURD increased with the increase in confining pressure, but increased first and then reduced with the increase in WPU content. The specimens with 5% WPU content showed the best ductility. At the curing time of 7 and 28 days, the internal friction angle and cohesion of PURD increased with the increase in WPU content, and they reached a maximum when the WPU content was 6%. The internal friction angle barely budged, but the cohesion increased obviously. The enhancement effect of WPU was attributed to the spatial reticular membrane structure produced by wrapping and bonding particles with the WPU film. Microscopic analysis showed that with the increase in WPU content, the internal pore and crack size of PURD gradually decreased. As the WPU content increased, the WPU film became increasingly thicker, which increased the adhesion between WPU and RA particles and made the structure of PURD become increasingly denser. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Composites in Road and Bridge Engineering: Characterization, Production and Application)

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18 pages, 3558 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Elastic Modulus and Damage Stress–Strain Model of Polypropylene Fiber and Nano Clay Modified Lime Treated Soil under Axial Load

by Zhichao Wang, Weiqing Zhang, Ping Jiang and Cuihong Li

Polymers 2022, 14(13), 2606; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14132606 - 27 Jun 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2514

Abstract

Using polypropylene fiber (PPF) and nano clay modified lime treated soil (LS), the static and dynamic properties of fiber modified lime treated soil (FLS), nano clay modified lime treated soil (NLS), and fiber nano clay composite modified lime treated soil (NFLS) were studied. [...] Read more.

Using polypropylene fiber (PPF) and nano clay modified lime treated soil (LS), the static and dynamic properties of fiber modified lime treated soil (FLS), nano clay modified lime treated soil (NLS), and fiber nano clay composite modified lime treated soil (NFLS) were studied. Through the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) test and dynamic triaxial test of FLS, NLS, and NFLS, the static and dynamic elastic modulus characteristics at 7 day curing age were explored, and the damage stress–strain model was established. The results show that: (1) Polypropylene fiber and nano clay can significantly enhance the mechanical properties of NFLS. Nano clay can promote the reaction between lime and soil to produce calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) and calcium aluminate hydrate (C-A-H), thus improving the strength of NFLS, and UCS can be increased by up to 103%. Polypropylene fiber can enhance the ductility of NFLS and increase the residual ductility strength, and the residual strength can be increased by 827%. (2) Nano clay can enhance the static and dynamic elastic modulus of modified lime treated soil. The static and dynamic elastic modulus of NLS, FLS, and NFLS are linear with the change of polypropylene fiber and nano clay content. The static and dynamic elastic modulus of NLS, FLS, and NFLS are linear, exponential, and logarithmic, respectively. (3) The mesoscopic random damage model can characterize the stress–strain relationship of NFLS. Polypropylene fiber and nano clay can improve the ductility and strength of modified LS, and the composite addition of polypropylene fiber and nano clay can improve the ability of modified LS to resist damage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Composites in Road and Bridge Engineering: Characterization, Production and Application)

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17 pages, 2517 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of the High-Temperature and Rheological Properties for Asphalt Sealant Modified by SBS and Rubber Crumb

by Yafeng Gong, Shuzheng Wu, Yuwei Zhang, Yunze Pang and Yulin Ma

Polymers 2022, 14(13), 2558; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14132558 - 23 Jun 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2246

Abstract

Crack sealing is an important measure for pavement maintenance. Hot-poured crack sealant is the most utilized material for crack sealing. However, its poor high-temperature and rheological properties seriously weaken the mechanical properties of repaired pavement. Thus, to overcome the disadvantage of the poor [...] Read more.

Crack sealing is an important measure for pavement maintenance. Hot-poured crack sealant is the most utilized material for crack sealing. However, its poor high-temperature and rheological properties seriously weaken the mechanical properties of repaired pavement. Thus, to overcome the disadvantage of the poor high-temperature and rheological properties of sealant, styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS) and rubber crumb (CR) were utilized for modifying the asphalt-based sealants. Softening point tests, temperature tests, frequency scan tests, and multiple stress creep recovery tests (MSCR) were conducted to evaluate the high-temperature and rheological properties of the modified sealant. Additionally, the influence of SBS and CR on the high-temperature performance of the modified sealant was quantitatively analyzed by the grey relational analysis method. The results reveal that the SBS has a greater enhancement effect on the high-temperature performance of sealant than CR. Increasing the SBS and CR content in the sealant could enhance the sealant’s high-temperature performance, stiffness, and elasticity. Compared with asphalt-based sealant and one-component modified asphalt-based sealant, SBS/CR-modified asphalt sealant has greater viscosity and higher temperature deformation resistance. Additionally, SBS can increase the stress level of the sealant, thereby enhancing the resistance of the sealant to permanent deformation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Composites in Road and Bridge Engineering: Characterization, Production and Application)

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18 pages, 5760 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on Compressive Properties and Dynamic Characteristics of Polypropylene-Fiber-and-Cement-Modified Iron-Ore Tailing under Traffic Load

by Ping Jiang, Yewen Chen, Xinjiang Song, Na Li, Wei Wang and Erlu Wu

Polymers 2022, 14(10), 1995; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14101995 - 13 May 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 1913

Abstract

Using polypropylene (PP) fiber and cement to modify iron-ore tailing and applying it to road engineering is an effective way to reuse iron-ore tailing. The compressive properties and deformation characteristics of PP-fiber-and-cement-modified iron-ore tailing (FCIT) under traffic load were studied by the unconfined-compressive-strength [...] Read more.

Using polypropylene (PP) fiber and cement to modify iron-ore tailing and applying it to road engineering is an effective way to reuse iron-ore tailing. The compressive properties and deformation characteristics of PP-fiber-and-cement-modified iron-ore tailing (FCIT) under traffic load were studied by the unconfined-compressive-strength (UCS) test and the dynamical-triaxial (DT) test. The test results indicated that the UCS and residual strength both increased with increasing PP-fiber content, and tensile and toughness properties were positively correlated with PP-fiber content. Moreover, the dynamic elastic modulus and damping of FCIT both showed a negative linear relationship with cycle time. It can be found from the test results that 0.75% was the best PP-fiber content to modify iron tailing sand in this work. Lastly, a prediction model was developed to describe the relationship between the cumulative plastic strain, PP-fiber content and cycle time, which can effectively capture the evolution law of the cumulative plastic strain with cycle time of FCITs at different PP-fiber contents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Composites in Road and Bridge Engineering: Characterization, Production and Application)

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16 pages, 3247 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Investigation of the High-Temperature Rheological and Aging Resistance Properties of Activated Crumb Rubber Powder/SBS Composite-Modified Asphalt

by Zhizhong Zhao, Longlin Wang, Wensheng Wang and Xuanhao Shangguan

Polymers 2022, 14(9), 1905; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14091905 - 6 May 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2221

Abstract

Crumb rubber could form the active groups on the surface by interrupting the crosslinking bond to improve the compatibility with asphalt. While styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer (SBS)-modified asphalt has excellent comprehensive properties, it has poor anti-aging performance and a high cost. To explore the [...] Read more.

Crumb rubber could form the active groups on the surface by interrupting the crosslinking bond to improve the compatibility with asphalt. While styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer (SBS)-modified asphalt has excellent comprehensive properties, it has poor anti-aging performance and a high cost. To explore the influence of composite modification of activated crumb rubber powder (ACR) and SBS on asphalt, modified asphalt samples with different modifiers and SBS contents were prepared. Conventional physical properties tests, a dynamic shear rheometer (DSR), and the thin-film oven test (TFOT) were used to study the conventional physical properties, high-temperature rheological properties, and aging resistance of asphalt. In addition, the action forms and distribution of modifiers in asphalt were observed by an optical microscope to characterize the micro-morphology of ACR/SBS composite-modified asphalt. Test results showed that after adding SBS, the softening point, ductility, and elastic recovery of ACR/SBS asphalt could be significantly improved, but the viscosity and softening point difference were also larger. At the same time, according to the complex shear modulus, phase angle, and rutting factor, SBS can effectively improve the high-temperature deformation resistance of ACR/SBS asphalt. The modified asphalt (ACR/SBS-2) had good high- and low- temperature performances, as well as an appropriate viscosity and low softening point difference, as a research object of aging. After short-term aging, the changes in the high- and low-temperature performances and workability of ACR/SBS asphalt were reduced. Taking the softening point as the target performance, the softening point of ACR/SBS asphalt was less affected by aging time and temperature, indicating that ACR/SBS asphalt was not sensitive to aging temperature and had good stability and aging resistance. From the micrograph by microscope, it was found that ACR/SBS asphalt could maintain a relatively stable polyphase structure for aging resistance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Composites in Road and Bridge Engineering: Characterization, Production and Application)

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13 pages, 1893 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Desulfurization Process Variables on the Properties of Crumb Rubber Modified Asphalt

by Honggang Zhang, Yangpeng Zhang, Jie Chen, Wenchang Liu and Wensheng Wang

Polymers 2022, 14(7), 1365; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14071365 - 28 Mar 2022

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 2807

Abstract

A large number of waste tires are in urgent need of effective treatment, and breaking waste tires into crumb rubber powder for modifying asphalt has been proved as a good idea to solve waste tires. Crumb rubber modified asphalt not only has good [...] Read more.

A large number of waste tires are in urgent need of effective treatment, and breaking waste tires into crumb rubber powder for modifying asphalt has been proved as a good idea to solve waste tires. Crumb rubber modified asphalt not only has good high and low temperature performance, durability, and aging resistance but can also reduce pavement noise and diseases, which has wide application prospects. In this study, crumb rubber powder was desulfurized by mechanochemical method to prepare desulfurized crumb rubber modified asphalt. During the desulfurization process of crumb rubber, the effects of desulfurization process variables including desulfurizer type, desulfurizer content, and desulfurization mixing temperature and time were considered, and then the physical properties of modified asphalt were tested. The test results showed that after mixing crumb rubber powder with desulfurizer, the viscosity of crumb rubber powder modified asphalt can be reduced. Moreover, the storage stability of crumb rubber powder modified asphalt could also be improved by mixing crumb rubber with desulfurizer. Based on the physical properties of crumb rubber powder modified asphalt, the desulfurization process of selected organic disulfide (OD) desulfurizer was optimized as follows: the OD desulfurizer content was 3%, the desulfurization mixing temperature was 160 °C, and the mixing time was 30 min. In addition, Fourier infrared spectroscopy analysis was carried out to explore the modification mechanism of desulfurized crumb rubber powder modified asphalt. There is no fracture and formation of chemical bonds, and the modification of asphalt by crumb rubber powder is mainly physical modification. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Composites in Road and Bridge Engineering: Characterization, Production and Application)

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17 pages, 5763 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation on Fatigue Performance of Diatomite/Basalt Fiber Composite Modified Asphalt Mixture

by Chunfeng Zhu, Huijin Luo, Wei Tian, Binbin Teng, Yongmei Qian, Huaxue Ai and Bo Xiao

Polymers 2022, 14(3), 414; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14030414 - 20 Jan 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2434

Abstract

The fatigue resistance of asphalt mixture is an important indicator to evaluate the durability of asphalt pavement. In order to improve the fatigue properties of asphalt mixture, diatomite and environmental basalt fiber were added. Four types of asphalt mixtures, ordinary asphalt mixture (AM), [...] Read more.

The fatigue resistance of asphalt mixture is an important indicator to evaluate the durability of asphalt pavement. In order to improve the fatigue properties of asphalt mixture, diatomite and environmental basalt fiber were added. Four types of asphalt mixtures, ordinary asphalt mixture (AM), diatomite modified asphalt mixture (DAM), basalt fiber modified asphalt mixture (BFAM) and diatomite/basalt fiber composite modified asphalt mixture (DBFAM), were chosen, whose optimum asphalt–aggregate ratio, optimum content of diatomite and optimum content of basalt fiber could be determined by Marshall test and response surface methodology (RSM). The multi-functional pneumatic servo Cooper test machine was carried out by a four-point bending fatigue test. Through the comparative analysis of flexural-tensile stiffness modulus (S), initial stiffness modulus(S₀), residual stiffness modulus ratio, lag angle (ϕ) and cumulative dissipation energy (E_CD), the fatigue resistance of asphalt mixture can be effectively improved by adding diatomite and basalt fiber. Grey correlation analysis was also used to analyze the degree of correlation between the fatigue life and the influencing factors such as VV, VMA, VFA, OAC, S, and E_CD. The analysis results indicate that E_CD has the greatest impact on the fatigue life of the asphalt mixture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Composites in Road and Bridge Engineering: Characterization, Production and Application)

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15 pages, 3028 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Structural Design Calculation of Basalt Fiber Polymer-Modified RPC Beams Subjected to Four-Point Bending

by Yafeng Gong, Jianxing Yang, Xin He, Xiang Lyu and Hanbing Liu

Polymers 2021, 13(19), 3261; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13193261 - 24 Sep 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2212

Abstract

In this paper, a basalt fiber surface was treated with coupling agent KH-550 and hydrochloric acid, and the basalt fiber polymer-modified active powder concrete (RPC) material was prepared. There are significant differences in material composition and properties between basalt fiber polymer-modified RPC and [...] Read more.

In this paper, a basalt fiber surface was treated with coupling agent KH-550 and hydrochloric acid, and the basalt fiber polymer-modified active powder concrete (RPC) material was prepared. There are significant differences in material composition and properties between basalt fiber polymer-modified RPC and ordinary concrete, and the structural design calculation (cracking moment and normal section bending bearing capacity) of an ordinary reinforced concrete beam is no longer applicable. Thus, mechanical parameters such as displacement and strain of reinforcement basalt fiber polymer-modified RPC beams subjected to four-point bending were tested. The excellent compressive and tensile strengths of basalt fiber polymer-modified RPC were fully utilized. The tensile strength of basalt fiber polymer-modified RPC in the tensile zone of the beam was considered in the calculation of normal section bending bearing capacity of reinforcement basalt fiber polymer-modified RPC beams. The results showed that the measured values of the cracking moment and ultimate failure bending moment of reinforcement basalt fiber polymer-modified RPC beams were in good agreement with the calculated values. The established formulas for cracking moment and normal section bending bearing capacity can provide references for the design of reinforcement basalt fiber polymer-modified RPC simply supported beam and promote the wide application of basalt fiber polymer-modified RPC materials in practical engineering. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Composites in Road and Bridge Engineering: Characterization, Production and Application)

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18 pages, 3635 KiB

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Rheological and Aging Properties of Composite Modified Bitumen by Styrene–Butadiene–Styrene and Desulfurized Crumb Rubber

by Gang Xu, Yunhong Yu, Jingyao Yang, Tianling Wang, Peipei Kong and Xianhua Chen

Polymers 2021, 13(18), 3037; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13183037 - 8 Sep 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2650

Abstract

Taking advantage of crumb rubber from waste tires to modify bitumen is widely for the environmentally friendly and sustainable development of pavement. This study investigated the modification mechanism, rheological, and aging properties of styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS)/desulfurized crumb rubber (DCR) composite modified bitumen (SBS/DCRMB). Morphological [...] Read more.

Taking advantage of crumb rubber from waste tires to modify bitumen is widely for the environmentally friendly and sustainable development of pavement. This study investigated the modification mechanism, rheological, and aging properties of styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS)/desulfurized crumb rubber (DCR) composite modified bitumen (SBS/DCRMB). Morphological features and chemical characteristics were assessed by fluorescence intensity measurement and gel permeation chromatography (GPC), respectively, and results demonstrated that the DCR and SBS modifier in SBS/DCRMB had been vulcanized and formed a three-dimensional network structure. Moreover, a comparison of the GPC elution curve showed the residual bitumen hardly changed due to carbon black released from DCR of SBS/DCRMB during the aging process of SBS/DCRMB, and the polymer molecules condensed to larger units. However, the remaining bitumen in SBSMB had changed evidently and the polymer degraded to smaller molecules. Meanwhile the rheological testing results, including multiple stress creep recovery, linear amplitude sweep and bending beam rheometer, declared that the SBS/DCRMB is superior to SBSMB before and after aging. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Composites in Road and Bridge Engineering: Characterization, Production and Application)

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19 pages, 13715 KiB

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Knowledge Mapping of the Literature on Fiber-Reinforced Geopolymers: A Scientometric Review

by Hassan Ali Alkadhim, Muhammad Nasir Amin, Waqas Ahmad, Kaffayatullah Khan, Mohammed Najeeb Al-Hashem, Sara Houda, Marc Azab and Zaher Abdel Baki

Polymers 2022, 14(22), 5008; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14225008 - 18 Nov 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1976

Abstract

This study examined the bibliographic data on fiber-reinforced geopolymers (FRGPs) using scientometrics to determine their important features. Manual review articles are inadequate in their capability to connect various segments of literature in an ordered and systematic manner. Scientific mapping, co-citation, and co-occurrence are [...] Read more.

This study examined the bibliographic data on fiber-reinforced geopolymers (FRGPs) using scientometrics to determine their important features. Manual review articles are inadequate in their capability to connect various segments of literature in an ordered and systematic manner. Scientific mapping, co-citation, and co-occurrence are the difficult aspects of current research. The Scopus database was utilized to find and obtain the data needed to achieve the study’s aims. The VOSviewer application was employed to assess the literature records from 751 publications, including citation, bibliographic, keyword, and abstract details. Significant publishing outlets, keywords, prolific researchers in terms of citations and articles published, top-cited documents, and locations actively participating in FRGP investigations were identified during the data review. The possible uses of FRGP were also highlighted. The scientometric analysis revealed that the most frequently used keywords in FRGP research are inorganic polymers, geopolymers, reinforcement, geopolymer, and compressive strength. Additionally, 27 authors have published more than 10 articles on FRGP, and 29 articles have received more than 100 citations up to June 2022. Due to the graphical illustration and quantitative contribution of scholars and countries, this study can support scholars in building joint ventures and communicating innovative ideas and practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Composites in Road and Bridge Engineering: Characterization, Production and Application)

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