Laboratory investigation of dynamic rheological properties of tourmaline modified bitumen

Tourmaline modified bitumen was prepared by blending base bitumen with tourmaline powder. Effect of temperature, frequency as well as the content of tourmaline powder on the complex modulus and phase angle of the bitumen was investigated by dynamic shear rheometer (DSR). The results indicate that the complex modulus decreased whereas the phase angle increased with the increasing of temperature and frequency, the complex modulus of modified bitumen exhibit good linear relationship with the logarithmic value of loading frequency. Compared with base bitumen, the bitumen containing tourmaline powder exhibit higher rutting factor, indicating that the rutting resistance of bitumen at high temperature was improved by tourmaline, for the rigidity of bitumen was enhanced by tourmaline.