Stability investigation of self-healing microcapsules containing rejuvenator for bitumen

Preservation and renovation bitumen of pavement is a big problem for the whole world. Traditionally, application rejuvenator is the only one method that can restore the original properties of the pavements. However, some puzzles still restrict its successful usage. Microencapsulation is a promising method to apply rejuvenator in bitumen. These microcapsules can break and leak the oily-liquid rejuvenator into microcracks and self-healing the aged bitumen. Based on our previous work, the objective of this study was to investigate the thermal stability, mechanical stability and interface stability of microcapsules in bitumen. The results showed that these microcapsules containing rejuvenator survived in melting bitumen and in a violent repeated temperature changes. Microcapsules had the elastic-plastic deformation ability resisting the temperature changes and mixing stress. Moreover, the chemical bonds improved the interface stability between shells and bitumen. Microcapsules containing rejuvenator will be a promising product to realize the smart pavements.