Thermal aging behaviors of the waste tire rubber used in bitumen modification

Considering the application scenarios of rubber granules from waste tires in bitumen modification process (wet or dry process), both aerobic and anaerobic aging may occur. The current study aims to investigate thermal behavior tire samples using nanoindentation environment scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) tests. Both tests with different durations were conducted on samples. complex moduli aged measured by surface morphology elemental composition obtained ESEM together energy dispersive X-ray analysis. Results have shown that for aging, equilibrium modulus derived curve first increases then decreases time. However, time needed aerobically sample reach maximum is shorter than case. Aging results crack propagation an increase sulfur content until it reaches peak. degree crosslinking reflected higher aging. morphological change correlate well mechanical properties. truck at 180°C can generally be separated into two stages: dominant stage chain scission stage.