Controlled preparation and performance evaluation of weather-resistant resin-based fog seal binders

Common fog seal materials face inherent challenges, particularly their insufficient weather resistance and the difficulty in synchronously balancing penetration capability with bond performance. In order to overcome these bottlenecks, a resin-based emulsified asphalt specifically for fog seals was purposefully synthesized. Its penetration capability, drying time, and bond performance were evaluated to optimize and determine the appropriate material composition and preparation process. The Ultraviolet (UV) aging resistance of the fog seal materials under varying aging durations was investigated, and the enhancement effects of different modifiers on weatherability were comparatively analyzed. Consequently, the optimal type and dosage of the weathering enhancer were identified, culminating in the controlled preparation of a weather-resistant resin-based fog seal material. Furthermore, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and fluorescence microscopy tests were utilized to unveil the modification mechanism and compatibility of the composite system, ultimately achieving a balanced enhancement of multiple engineering properties. The results indicated that the waterborne epoxy resin (WER)/waterborne polyurethane (WPU) modified emulsified asphalt, synthesized via the phase inversion process, achieved a penetration depth of 14.5 mm and a bond strength of 0.36 MPa. At a dosage of 1wt%, carbon black endowed the weather-resistant material with excellent UV absorbance and reflectance. After being subjected to 270 h of intense UV irradiation (equivalent to 3 years of outdoor exposure), the tensile strength retention rate of the system reached 64%. Microscopic characterizations demonstrated that both the waterborne resin modifiers and carbon black could be effectively dispersed and uniformly distributed within the emulsified asphalt matrix, exhibiting excellent compatibility. This study provides valuable insights and a theoretical foundation for advancing the research and practical implementation of weather-resistant resin-based fog seal materials.