Modification of Road Bitumen Emulsions with Cationic Artificial Dispersions Based on Butadiene-Styrene Thermoplastic Elastomers

Abstract

The possibility of obtaining artificial polymer dispersions (latexes) based on butadiene-styrene thermoplastic elastomers using cationic surfactants currently used in the industrial production of cationic bitumen emulsions has been studied. Artificial dispersions (latexes) were obtained by mixing a solution of thermoplastic elastomer in organic solvent with an aqueous solution of cationic emulsifier, intensive dispersion of the system, distillation of organic solvent from the thin emulsion and concentration of latex on a rotary evaporator. Particle size distribution and ζ-potential were studied by photon correlation spectroscopy (dynamic light scattering); surface tension of emulsifier solutions, dispersions and bitumen emulsions was measured on a Du-Nouis tensiometer; latex films were obtained by casting on cellophane to study their physical and mechanical characteristics; films were tested on a tensile machine. Bitumen emulsions were obtained mechanically by dispersing road bitumen on a laboratory emulsion machine. Introduction of latex was carried out either in the aqueous phase (in the colloid mill) or in the finished emulsion after the colloid mill. In addition, bitumen-polymer emulsions were obtained by dispersing a high-viscosity solution of thermoplastic elastomer in bitumen using a special temperature regime. The obtained dispersions were investigated in detail and tested with positive results in the manufacture of road bitumen-polymer emulsions. The results of the research are recommended for use at the enterprises of the road industry