Microstructure characterization and thermal properties of the waste-styrene-butadiene-rubber (WSBR)-modified petroleum-based mesophase asphalt

Abstract

Abstract In this work, waste-styrene-butadiene-rubber (WSBR) -modified petroleum- based mesophase asphalt was prepared through a co-carbonization process. The influence of contents of WSBR and carbonization temperature on the properties of mesophase asphalt was investigated. The chemical constituents, microstructure and thermal property of the samples were characterized. The results show that using WSBR as modifier can significantly promote the formation of mesophase. When the temperature is constant, the addition of WSBR results in more optically anisotropic crystal structure in the samples, and a better thermal stability. When the content of WSBR is invariable, with increasing temperature, the content of anisotropic structure in mesophase asphalt becomes higher and more uniform. The thermal stability of the samples is the best when WSBR content is 10\u2009wt%.