Research on a Polyolefin Composite Modifier for High-Temperature and Heavy-Duty Pavement and Performance of Its Modified Asphalt

To address the challenges of rutting and performance balance in asphalt pavements under high-temperature and heavy-load conditions, a novel polyolefin composite modifier (PCM-H) was developed from waste tire rubber powder, recycled ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), petroleum resin, and polymer additives. The chemical characteristics, thermal stability, and compatibility mechanisms of PCM-H were compared with those of two commercial modifiers (PCM-1 and PCM-2) using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). PCM-H exhibited superior compatibility and thermal stability. In contrast, PCM-2 tends to crystallize and precipitate within the 180-200 °C range, which is detrimental to the stability of the composite system. At an optimal dosage of 10 wt% in styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) modified asphalt, PCM-H formed a uniform dispersion and, through crosslinking reactions, established a three-dimensional network structure. Subsequently, the performance of composite modified asphalts, prepared with each of the three modifiers at their respective optimal dosages, was evaluated comparatively. Performance evaluations demonstrated that all polyolefin-modified asphalts significantly outperformed the conventional SBS modified asphalt. The PCM-H modified asphalt (PCM-H MA) exhibited the most superior performance, achieving a performance grade (PG) exceeding 94 °C, along with exceptional high-temperature elasticity and creep resistance, superior low-temperature cracking resistance, and enhanced fatigue healing capability. The results indicated that the crosslinked network structure effectively enhances asphalt cohesion, thereby providing a synergistic improvement in both high- and low-temperature performance. This study provides an effective solution and theoretical basis for developing high-performance pavement materials resistant to high temperatures and heavy loads conditions.