Novel Multidimensional\nComposite Development for Aging\nResistance of SBS-Modified Asphalt by Attaching Zinc Oxide on Expanded\nVermiculite

Negative impacts of field aging on both the asphalt matrix\nand\nstyrene–butadiene–styrene copolymer (SBS) seriously\ncompromise the performance quality of the SBS-modified asphalt binder\n(SBSMA). With the aim to address the agglomeration issue and aging\nresistance deficiency faced by multidimensional compound, the composite\nof zinc oxide (ZnO) and expanded vermiculite (EV) was prepared by\nhydrolytic precipitation and investigated in terms of morphology and\noptical property. The effects of dosage of ZnO/EV composite on the\nstorage stability, performance grade, and aging resistance of SBSMA\nwere evaluated. The results indicate that a strong adhesion between\nZnO and EV is formed by the composite preparation mode. The ZnO/EV\ncomposite can enhance the storage stability and high-temperature performance\nof SBSMA. In addition, the ZnO/EV composite can enhance the thermal\nand photo-oxidation aging resistance of SBSMA by mitigating the aging\ndeterioration of asphalt matrix and SBS polymer simultaneously, and\nthe best aging resistance efficiency can be reached when the dosage\nof ZnO/EV composite is 4%.