Changes in the nanoscale asphaltene particles and relaxation spectra of asphalt binders during aging and rejuvenation

Asphalt binder is a widely used engineering material. It essentially nanomaterial with colloidal particles suspended in an oily medium. As asphalt ages, the are subject to fundamental physicochemical changes such as agglomeration, which translated into dramatic property of binder. In practices, organic rejuvenators often added aged binder, hope breaking down nanoparticles and restoring its original properties. However, how evolve during aging rejuvenation remains hypothetical. This study revealed rejuvenation. Moreover, morphology connected relaxation spectrum result, practitioners do not have rely on complicated methods equipment observe binders at microscopic level. Instead, they can employ commonly tests dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) decipher what occurs nanoscale would greatly assist material selection design.