Guayule Resin: An Innovative Bioresource for Asphalt Cement Replacement

Abstract

Novel resources can contribute to replacing asphalt with sustainable, flexible pavement options. In this study, asphalt was replaced by guayule resin as a bioresource by-product extracted during guayule natural rubber production. Crumb rubber modifier (CRM) was used as an asphalt enhancer. According to the Superpave criteria, the designated binders were exposed to tests covering the construction process (mixing and compaction requirements), rutting, fatigue, and thermal cracking resistances through viscosity, high-, intermediate-, and low-temperature measurements, respectively. The original, short-term aging, and long-term aging conditions were simulated using tank, rolling thin film oven, and pressure aging vessel materials, respectively. Additionally, component analysis using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy was performed to link the rheological properties with the chemical changes. Outcomes showed a relatively lower viscosity for guayule resin than asphalt at the same high-temperature grade, thus indicating savings in plant energy consumption and environmental emissions. The CRM enhanced guayule, but not as much as asphalt, as proven by polymeric component migration through the liquid binder. This enhancement was reflected in the rheological performance in addition to other factors. The as-received guayule resin had a high oxygen content confirmed by strong absorption peak intensities of oxidative bonds (e.g., Carbonyl and sulfoxide). Such pre-oxidation was negatively reflected in the intermediate- and low-temperature performances of guayule resin and guayule-based binders. However, the investigated guayule resin compensated for asphalt replacement by 23-42% of the blend's weight.

Department(s)

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering

Keywords and Phrases

Asphalt sustainability; Asphalt rubber; Crumb rubber modifier; FTIR; Guayule resin; Superpave

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

0959-6526

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2021 Elsevier, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

10 Sep 2021

Link to Full Text

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