Influence of Initiators on the Adhesion Properties of Bitumen Modified by Natural Origin Epoxide

Abstract

The article is presenting a modification of bituminous binder with ecological epoxidized rapeseed oil (BERO) in the presence of the initiator (hardener). Adipic acid (AA), maleic anhydride (MA) and polyethylene polyamine (PEPA) were used as the initiators. The effect of modification temperature and, as well as initiator nature, on the bitumen properties was determined. Bitumen modified with BERO was evaluated by the following indicators: softening temperature, penetration, ductility, and adhesion to the glass. The optimal initiator : rapeseed oil epoxide (ERO) : bitumen ratio was found to be 0.15:3:100; it allows obtaining bitumen with improved properties, in particular, adhesive properties increase by 2–3 times depending on the nature and content of the initiator. To improve the formula composite and evaluation of asphalt mixtures the additional researches will be conducted.