Design of SBS molecular structure and contribution mechanism from its soft and hard segments to modify asphalt

The excellent performance of SBS-modified asphalt is attributed to the release of the SBS soft segment (PB segment) and hard segment (PS segment) in the asphalt. The release mechanism of the SBS soft and hard segments was studied using MD simulation and laboratory experiments, and the optimal molecular structure of SBS for asphalt modification was determined. MD simulation results revealed that SBS with a higher PS content exhibited better compatibility with asphalt. The larger and stronger molecular aggregates of the PS segment improved the high-temperature shear resistance of the asphalt but reduced the molecular mobility of the system. Additionally, radial distribution function analysis showed varying degrees of aggregation behaviour of asphaltenes with different segment ratios of polymer modifiers. Laboratory experiments were conducted using synthetically prepared SBS modifiers with specific segment ratios, as well as PB and PS monomer modifiers. Conventional tests and rheological experiments indicated that the PB segment improved the low-temperature performance of the asphalt, while the PS segment enhanced its high-temperature performance. The experimental results of the Cole–Cole plots are consistent with the solubility parameter results. Morphological studies revealed a two-phase continuous structure formed between SBS and asphalt when the SBS segment ratio was approximately 30/70.