Evaluating Asphalt Aging and Additive Effects

In the field of infrastructure and material science, accurately predicting the lifespan of binders and coatings is essential for managing long-term maintenance costs and durability. Current chemical aging measurement techniques look at the "carbonyl index," which acts as a molecular fingerprint for how much a material has oxidized. However, these techniques often fail when materials are exposed to extreme environmental stress, such as prolonged UV radiation, as the chemical signals used for comparison start to disappear. This loss of sensitivity makes it nearly impossible for companies to accurately assess the remaining life of heavily aged assets. Further, common laboratory shortcuts and inconsistent calculation methods lead to unreliable data that varies between different research groups.

 

Researchers at ASU have developed a high-precision microsampling and analysis method designed to monitor and reduce the aging of asphalt by analyzing chemical changes and evaluating additive effectiveness. By focusing on the concentration of key indicators of UV-induced oxidation, the process provides a more accurate assessment of material degradation than traditional standards. Unlike current extraction methods that require large quantities of material, this technique uses a needle-based "crumb" extraction that significantly reduces sample size, energy consumption, and solvent waste. The technology examines the impact of additives such as PE oil and wax in mitigating asphalt aging, supported by detailed visual data showing their effectiveness in preserving material integrity over time. Further, this technology employs a specialized calculation that maintains measurement sensitivity even in cases of extreme aging where standard tests fail. This method can detect minute progress in aging that would otherwise be invisible to the industry.

 

Ultimately, this technology transforms a complex laboratory task into a streamlined, cost-effective tool for highly accurate asset management.