The research for low-temperature rheological properties and structural characteristics of high-viscosity modified asphalt

High-viscosity modified (HVM) asphalt was prepared by the addition of styrene–butadiene–styrene, furfural exact oil (FEO, plasticizer), sulphur (crosslinker). The low-temperature rheological properties of HVM asphalt were investigated by using bending beam rheometer, and different analysis ways including Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis, thermal analysis, 1hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance (1NMR) analysis, elemental analysis, optical microscopy were used to investigate the structural characteristics of modified asphalts and FEO. Rheological tests demonstrated the effect of each modifier on low-temperature rheological performances of asphalt and displayed the structural characteristics of each binder to some extent. FTIR analysis indicated the effect of ageing and modifier on the distribution of functional groups of modified asphalt before and after ageing. Morphology observation showed the distribution of polymer in asphalt with different modifications or ageing. The thermal analysis showed the effect of each modifier on thermal behaviour of asphalt before and after ageing and confirmed the result of FTIR analysis and morphology observation further. Besides, the constituents of base asphalt and plasticizer were also investigated and compared further by adopting elemental analysis, and 1HNMR and FTIR tests.