Improving the aging resistance of bitumen by addition of polymer based diethylene glycol

This study deals with improving the short-term aging resistance of bitumen with a new material, a diethylene glycol based polyboron compound (DEGPB). The compound was synthesized chemically and used 50/70 penetration grade bitumen. The bitumens are aged by means of Thin Film Oven Test (TFOT). The physical and aging properties of bitumens are evaluated by rotational viscosity (RV), penetration, softening point, ductility test at 15 °C and 25 °C and the Marshall stability test. Also, bitumen's oxidation rate was evaluated by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), which is a direct methodological approach. In light of experimental studies reported in this study, it has been shown that the additive at all tested rates increases bitumen's aging resistance. Compared to original bitumen's properties, DEGPB increases viscosity and the softening point of bitumens while decreasing its penetration and ductility. The Marshall stability tests have shown that the stability of bituminous mixtures was improved by DEGPB. In conclusion, DEGPB additive decreased the aging of bitumens by 41.9.