Effect of bitumen fluxing using a bio-origin additive

Abstract Currently, the bio-binder or bio-origin polymers can be successfully used for bituminous binder modification. Bio-derived oil is also used as a flux additive for binders or as an additive in reclaimed asphalt pavement technology. The main goal of the research was to investigate a new method of bituminous binder fluxing with bio-derived additive. In this technology, bioadditive decreases binder viscosity during production processes and then, once asphalt pavement is placed, gradually reconstructs binder viscosity as a result of oxidative polymerization. Based on the Dynamic Shear Rheometer, Ring and Ball tests and fluorescent microscopy, changes in time in biomodified binder were studied. Three binders with various performance grade values with different bioadditive addition were tested. Binders fluxed with bioadditive were conditioned for up to 56 days in order to evaluate oxidative polymerization reaction. Base on the conducted tests it can be stated that vegetable oils and their methyl ester containing polyunsaturated fatty acids can be used as an ecological flux for bituminous binders. As a result of oxypolymerization reaction, partial consistency recovery is possible for bituminous binder with bioadditives. It was found that effectiveness of oxidative polymerization reaction is mainly dependent on bioadditive content and binder performance grade.