Effect of hydrogen peroxide treated rubber powder on viscoelasticity of rubber modified asphalt

The pore structure and surface morphology of rubber powder treated by hydrogen peroxide(H₂O₂) solution and high temperature performance of crumb rubber modified asphalt prepared from crumb rubber treated by three different proportions of H₂O₂ solution on the crumb rubber surface modification were studied. The pore structure, micro-morphology of the rubber powder and the viscosity, viscoelasticity of the rubber asphalt were analyzed by the adsorption-desorption experiments, scanning electron microscope test, rotational viscosity test and dynamic shear rheological test. The results show that the average pore size of the rubber powder after treatment with H₂O₂ solution is significantly smaller, and the pore volume and pore area of the pores change in a certain pattern. With the increase of the proportion of H₂O₂ solution, the contact surface between the particles increases, the floccule and pores of the powder increase, and the interface degree between the powder and the asphalt is strengthened. In the asphalt, the solubility of the rubber hydrocarbon and release of the carbon black particles of the rubber powder increase, and the mechanical properties such as the strength, elasticity and wear resistance of the rubber powder decrease. As a result, the elasticity, viscosity and high-temperature rutting resistance of the rubber asphalt decrease.