Interfacial interaction and network formation of alumina-silicate fiber reinforced SBS modified asphalt

Purpose This study aims to investigate the optimal content and microscopic interaction mechanism of aluminosilicate fiber (ASF) in styrene-butadiene-styrene modified asphalt (SBSMA), aiming to improve high-temperature stability and interfacial performance. The goal is to enhance ASF’s application in asphalt pavement engineering, focusing on its contributions to material durability and performance. Design/methodology/approach This study utilized molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and fluorescence microscopy (FM) to analyze the interfacial interactions and dispersion characteristics of ASF within SBSMA. The process involved preparing composite modified asphalt (ASF-SBSMA) with varying ASF contents, followed by the establishment of a validated ASF-SBSMA interfacial model. MD simulations were used to assess the interaction between ASF and SBSMA components, while FM confirmed the distribution and network structure of graft-modified ASF. The high-temperature stability of ASF-SBSMA was evaluated through DSR tests, focusing on temperature-dependent rheological properties. Findings The results indicate that graft-modified ASF enhances the uniformity of dispersion within SBSMA, demonstrating a “de-peaking” effect. The incorporation of ASF significantly improves the high-temperature stability of the asphalt, particularly its rutting resistance. Optimal performance was achieved with 2–3% ASF content. Originality/value This study contributes to the understanding of the microscopic interaction mechanisms of ASF in SBSMA, expanding its functional applications in asphalt mixtures, such as noise reduction. The findings not only enhance asphalt road performance but also provide significant economic and societal benefits by improving infrastructure quality. Graphical abstract A diagram showing solar radiation, asphalt, A S F addition, test results, molecular simulation, and verification steps. On the top left, a diagram depicts two houses next to a section of road labeled “Asphalt pavement”. An orange arrow marked “Solar radiation” points from a sun icon to the road surface. A red thermometer icon with a red arrow points to where the label “High temperature” appears, indicating thermal effects on the pavement. The road itself is broken and cracked, and another red arrow points to the next step at the top. It shows a photograph of asphalt pavement with a red circle highlighting a section. Two blue arrows extend from this circle to labeled images on the right: one is a black substance labeled “Asphalt,” and the other is a white powder labeled “A S F”. From these two images, arrows point to the next step below, where a diagram contains three scientific graphs labeled “D S R” at the bottom, showing different result curves. Each graph contains five curves. To the right, the “Network structure” presents two microstructure images. One image is labeled “F M test 2 percent A S F,” and the other is labeled “F M test 3 percent A S F” with a red oval marking a region. Two bi-directional arrows labeled “Verification” point to the next step at the bottom. The next step is an intricate molecular simulation flowchart, which depicts the process of combining two components to create a composite model. At the left, the label “M D simulation” with downward arrows indicates the start of the process. On the bottom left, a complex molecular structure labeled “SBSMA model” shows atomic details, including a highlighted sphere marked “S N S”. Next to it, a crystal lattice labeled “A S F cell,” illustrated with purple, red, and yellow atoms, indicates the additive material. A plus sign connects these two components, pointing to a combined advanced molecular model labeled “A S F-S B S M A,” represented by two adjoining molecular clusters with clearly defined atomic arrangements. An upward arrow from “M D simulation” points to the first step.