Title Comparative analysis of SBS polymers and their impact on the chemical composition of modified binders
Authors Škulteckė, Judita ; Vaitkus, Audrius ; Masevičius, Viktoras ; Klimkevičius, Vaidas ; Šernas, Ovidijus
DOI 10.1016/j.mtcomm.2025.113719
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Is Part of Materials today communications.. Amsterdam : Elsevier. 2025, vol. 49, art. no. 113719, p. 1-12.. ISSN 2352-4928
Keywords [eng] Styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) ; Polymer modified bitumen ; SBS structure ; SBS molecular weight ; Dispersity ; Fractional composition ; Copolymer composition
Abstract [eng] Styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) is a widely used polymer to enhance the performance of bitumen and asphalt pavements. However, notable inconsistencies in the performance of asphalt pavements with polymer modified binders (PMBs) within the same PMB class highlight a critical knowledge gap. Most previous studies have focused on SBS dosage levels with limited attention to the influence of polymer microstructure and the base binder chemistry on final PMB properties. This study addresses this gap by comprehensively evaluating eight commercially available SBS polymers differing in structure (linear or radial), styrene and vinyl content, and molecular weight. These were characterized using ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) and size-exclusion chromatography (SEC). Based on the results, four representative polymers were selected for PMB production using three chemically distinct 70/100 base binders. Twelve different PMBs were prepared with a fixed SBS content (3.5 %) to evaluate the effect of both SBS properties and base binder chemical composition on the final product. Thin-layer chromatography with flame ionization detection (TLC-FID) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were employed to evaluate chemical changes. The results showed that linear SBS, despite lower molecular weight, induced greater redistribution of aromatics and resins due to more effective swelling and integration into the maltene phase. In contrast, radial SBS led to less pronounced changes in SARA fractions. Moreover, base binders with higher aromatic and resin content provided a more favourable medium for polymer dispersion and structural reorganization. These findings highlight the importance of considering both SBS molecular structure and base binder composition when designing PMBs to ensure consistent and optimized performance.
Published Amsterdam : Elsevier
Type Journal article
Language English
Publication date 2025
CC license CC license description