Emission Risk and Inhibition Technology of Asphalt Fume from Crumb Rubber Modified Asphalt

Crumb rubber-modified asphalt mixtures have been proven to have extensive utilization value in road engineering. However, the rubber releases more fumes during the construction period, which causes severe harm to human health and the environment. This research focused on the emission risk of asphalt fume from crumb rubber-modified asphalt, and then the inhibition technology was also optimized. Firstly, the emission behavior and the hazardous evaluation of the asphalt fume from crumb rubber-modified asphalt were investigated. Then, the characteristics of the inhibition materials were evaluated. Finally, the reduction in the emission of inhibited crumb rubber-modified asphalt fume was identified, and the optimized formula was determined based on the inhibition effect, rheological properties, and cost. The results indicate that crumb rubber-modified asphalts release more fume components with an increment in the temperature and crumb rubber content. Desulfurized rubber reduces the release of H2S and NO. Benzene compounds, including paraxylene, toluene, and benzene, are the most released pollutants that harm human health, especially DS CRA 20% and CRA 50%. Kaolin powder and expanded graphite have a sufficient pore structure and volume, the addition of which reduces the release of pollutants while possibly promoting the release of NO and H2S. Their addition also has a significant control effect on the release of particulate matter at 170 °C and 185 °C. With the consideration of emissions, rheological properties, and cost, CRA 40%-EG2%-KL2% was determined as the optimization formula. This research is helpful to the application of crumb rubber-modified asphalt in road construction and maintenance.