Study of remobilization phenomena at reclaimed asphalt binder/virgin binder interphases for recycled asphalt mixtures using novel microscopic methodologies

Abstract Objectives are to understand remobilization phenomena which occur during the manufacture of recycled asphalt mixtures. Novel X-ray micro fluorescence and infrared microscopy methodologies have been customized to the “aged binder/virgin binder” interphase. Infrared Imaging ATR is the best technique to monitor the aged binder migration coupled to the carbonyl function as a distinguishable marker. Furthermore, the rejuvenator addition and a high aged binder temperature increase the blending zone length between binders. The carbonyl distribution profile slope assesses also the binders blend quality and directly depends on the aged binder viscosity. Another impacting factor could also influence the binder remobilization and could be based on molecular distributions.