Reducing Asphalt’s Low Temperature Cracking by Disturbing Its Crystallization

This paper investigate effect of a new bio-based modifier, “bio-binder” on disturbing bituminous asphalt crystallization using molecular dynamics simulation and X-Ray powder diffraction while studying effects of introduction of bio-binder on bituminous asphalt low temperature properties and low temperature cracking resistance. The proposed bio-binder is produced from the thermochemical conversion of swine manure. Bio-binder is then blended with virgin binder to produce bio-modified binder (BMB). Bio-binder can be used as a renewable partial replacement for petroleum-based asphalt. The production and application of bio-binder can facilitate swine waste management. In addition, the bio-binder resources (swine manure) is renewable and is not competing with food supplies. This paper argues that the improved low temperature rheological properties in BMB can further enhance pavement low-temperature cracking resistance.