Investigating properties and intermolecular interactions of sludge bio-oil modified asphalt

Bio-asphalt is a binder composed of bio-oil and petroleum asphalt under certain conditions. In this study, sludge (wt 10%) was added into matrix to prepare bio-asphalt for the first time. The effects on performance essence interaction between components were investigated using test, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, density functional theory (DFT). Chemical analysis showed that ester compound containing group (COOH) main component bio-oil. Physical rheological tests performed examine whether properties could be improved. results found can used soften hard asphalt. Furthermore, existence reduced complex modulus G* master curves stiffness, also increased Jnr m-value, which means had positive effect low-temperature thermal cracking resistance while sacrificing high-temperature rutting some extent. Fourier infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) fluorescence spectrum (FM) indicated evenly dispersed in asphalt, structure resembled conventional binder. MD simulation further O atom COOH H molecules formed hydrogen bond (OH?O, OH?C) interaction. This changed originally existed conformational packing agglomeration prevented molecules. addition, cohesive energy (CED) solubility parameters (SP) revealed significantly influenced compatibility asphaltene-asphaltene, resin-resin, asphaltene-resin components. These, turn, may explain observed improvements properties.