Effects of Light-Activated Self-Healing Polymers on the Rheological Behaviors of Asphalt Binder Containing Recycled Asphalt Shingles

A new generation of ultraviolet (UV) light-activated, self-healing polymers was evaluated with the aim to enhance the elastic recovery of the binder and to increase its self-healing abilities. This study had three main objectives: (a) to develop an optimized synthesis procedure for producing light-activated self-healing polymers, (b) to examine the thermal stability of the prepared self-healing polymers, and (c) to evaluate the effect of self-healing polymers on the rheological properties of asphalt binder containing binder extracted from recycled asphalt shingles (RAS). Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy analysis confirmed the successful synthesis of UV-activated polymers in the laboratory. In addition, thermogravimetric analysis showed that the materials produced achieved the required thermal stability at high temperature. Measuring the viscosity of different binder blends with and without RAS and with and without self-healing polymers revealed that the additive decreased the viscosity of the binder blends containing RAS, thereby providing blends with a better workability. Furthermore, rheological results showed that the rutting resistance of the binder blends containing RAS was improved by increasing the percentage of self-healing polymer. Results also showed improved rheological behaviors at low service temperature with 5% self-healing polymer and with exposure to UV light.