Investigation of microstructures and ultraviolet aging properties of organo-montmorillonite/SBS modified bitumen

► Microstructures and ultraviolet (UV) aging properties of organo-montmorillonite (OMMT)/Styrene-butadiene-styrene(SBS) modified bitumen were investigated by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy and physical properties tests. ► OMMT/SBS modified bitumen forms an intercalated structure. ► The phase contrast between the dispersed domains and the matrix is inverted in SBS modified bitumen, which is decreased with the introduction of OMMT. ► The UV aging resistance of SBS modified bitumen can be improved obviously with the addition of OMMT.