Microcapsule and polymer reinforcement techniques developed asphalt for use of pothole repairs in winter and rainy seasons

Abstract This paper proposes a new Polymer Modified Asphalt (PMA) for cold mixtures used to patch potholes in the adverse weather conditions of low temperature and rain. The new PMA is based on the microcapsules and polymer reinforcement techniques. Test results of the PMA binder found that the PMA improved the performance of the asphalt in low temperature and improved the adhesion of the cold mixtures by importing corresponding foundational groups. For example, the conjugated olefinic bond was used in the microcapsule formation and polybutadiene was used to improve the performance in low temperature as compared with the matrix asphalt and terpene resin cutback asphalt (TRCA). The modifier and adhesive stored in the microcapsules were distributed evenly in the asphalt. Test results of the cold mixtures verified that the PMA mixtures had a better performance than the TRCA mixtures, involving cohesion, stability and freeze-thaw resistance. Field surveys taken over 12 months indicated that the pothole patches filled with the PMA patching materials met the requirement for ride-ability and traffic safety standards. Therefore, it is concluded that the PMA is an adequate asphalt binder for pothole repairs in cold temperature and wet conditions.