Macromolecular architecture effect of dioctyl fumarate‐co‐styrene on the properties of modified asphalts

Abstract

In this study, new statistical copolymers made from dioctyl fumarate (DOF) and styrene (S) with different architectures (linear or branched) were synthesized to assess the impact of this macromolecular characteristic on the modification of Argentine asphalt. Modified asphalts (MA) exhibited good compatibility without evidence of oxidative effect during their manufacturing, as confirmed by fluorescence microscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy assays. The incorporation of copolymers led to an improvement in the basic properties of the MA, and this showed a higher viscosity compared to the base asphalt, with the effect being more pronounced in the MA containing branched copolymer. The last sample exhibits the lowest thermal susceptibility, as determined from the analysis of activation energies.Highlights New linear and branched copolymers were synthesized using fumaric and styrene monomers. Monomers randomly alternate in copolymer chains. No oxidation during asphalt modification and the polymers are stable. Incorporating branched copolymer doubles asphalt's elastic recovery. Asphalt modified with the branched copolymer exhibits reduced thermal susceptibility.