Evaluating efficacy of bio-based and non-bio rejuvenators for sustainable asphalt restoration and durability

Selecting rejuvenators that are compatible with specific environmental conditions is critical for sustainable pavement management. This study compares the performance and durability of a bio-based rejuvenator (BR) and a petroleum-based rejuvenator (PR) through integrated physical, chemical, and rheological analyses. Both rejuvenators effectively restored the properties of aged asphalt, but their impacts on key performance indicators diverged. The BR enhanced resistance to low-temperature cracking, while the PR provided superior mitigation of moisture-induced damage. Extended aging tests demonstrated that BR exhibited greater long-term durability, likely attributed to its unsaturated fatty acid components. These results provide new insights into the selection and design of rejuvenators and highlight the potential of bio-based alternatives to support more resilient and sustainable pavement preservation strategies. • An environmental friendly use of bio-based rejuvenator is introduced. • Rejuvenation efficiency and aging resistance of bio-based regenerators and petroleum-based regenerators were compared • Rejuvenation mechanism and aging mechanism of bio-based regenerators and petroleum-based regenerators were revealed