Improvement of bitumen and bituminous mixtures performances by triethylene glycol based synthetic polyboron

This study investigates the modification of bitumen with triethylene glycol based polyboron (TEGPB). TEGPB is a new additive material which was chemically synthesized at laboratory conditions. Four different TEGPB concentrations were used to modify 50/70 penetration grade bitumen: 1%(w/w), 2%(w/w), 3%(w/w) and 5%(w/w). The effects of TEGPB modification on the bitumen and bituminous mixture properties were determined by means of softening point, Marshall stability, Nicholson stripping, rotational viscosity (RV), Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) and Bending Beam Rheometer (BBR) tests. Amount of TEGPB to be used within the bitumen has been chosen as 2%(w/w) according to RV test results. BBR and Nicholson stripping test results have showed that creep properties and stripping resistance of the modified bitumen was not adversely affected. It was also found out that softening point and rutting resistance of the bitumen as well as Marshall stability of the bituminous mixtures were increased by TEGPB modification.

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► Bitumen and bituminous mixtures were modified with a novel material, triethylene glycol based synthetic polyboron, by means of conventional and superpave methods.
► Additive was synthesized firstly by reacting of triethylene glycol with boric acid in the presence of catalyst.
► TEGPB provided additional resistance for roadways to resist pavement distresses.
► This modified bitumen is recommended to use in hot climate regions, in roadways with heavy vehicle traffic.