Characterization of hard-grade asphalt using entropy analysis

ABSTRACTBy adopting different technologies and raw materials, several kinds of hard-grade asphalts were prepared, and the correlation between performances and chemical compositions for these hard-grade asphalts was investigated based on grey relation entropy analysis. Results indicated that nine types of hard-grade asphalts were in accordance with GB/T 15180-2010 standard for 30# asphalt, although they have obvious differences in the performances. The main factors influencing high temperature performances were the presence of aromatics and resins and molecular weight distribution, while the main factors influencing temperature susceptibility were the presence of saturates and asphaltenes and the unstability of colloids. While there has been slight difference in Er(Xi) for ductility (10°C and 15°C), the remarkable factors influencing the crack resistance at low temperature (stiffness and m value) were the presence of aromatics and resins and molecular weight distribution, in accordance with high temperatur...