@Article{jpm.2026.072622,
AUTHOR = {Zainiah Mohd Zin, Mohd Rosli Mohd Hasan, Azura A. Rashid, Muhammad Munsif Ahmad, Mohd Fahmi Haikal Mohd Ghazali, Hui Yao},
TITLE = {Effects of Wax-Based Surfactant on the Quantification of Chemical Properties, Rheological, and Activation Energy of Cup Lump Rubber Modified Asphalt Binder},
JOURNAL = {Journal of Polymer Materials},
VOLUME = {43},
YEAR = {2026},
NUMBER = {1},
PAGES = {--},
URL = {http://www.techscience.com/jpm/v43n1/66875},
ISSN = {0976-3449},
ABSTRACT = {The rapid increase in traffic loads and frequencies has rendered conventional asphalt pavement inadequate to maintain its durability under tropical climates. This challenge has necessitated the exploration of new sources of modified asphalt with enhanced stiffness and superior performance at high temperatures. Natural rubber (NR) is a renewable biopolymer that has received growing interest as a modifier for asphalt binders. Cup lump rubber (CLR), a type of NR, is used to enhance asphalt properties and improve the performance of road pavements. This study evaluates the influence of wax-based surfactants (WS) on CLR-modified asphalt binder (CMB). The assessment focuses on changes in chemical characteristics, rheological behaviour, activation energy, and morphology. Four concentrations of WS (0.1%, 0.15%, 0.2%, and 0.25%) were incorporated into CMB. Analysis of CMB chemical changes showed that viscosity increased due to higher sulfoxide, carbonyl, and aromatic bond indices. These chemical modifications contributed to improved resistance of the binder to heat-induced deterioration. In both unaged and aged CMB samples, the incorporation of WS reduced the sulfoxide index of the binder. Rheological analysis indicated that CMB improved rutting resistance and anti-ageing performance, while WS further enhanced fatigue resistance. Activation energy analysis suggested that the combination of CMB with 0.15% WS produced the most favourable enhancement. Micrograph results showed that WS improved binder homogeneity and interconnectivity. In conclusion, the findings indicated that incorporating 0.15% WS into CMB enhanced the performance and durability of the asphalt pavement.},
DOI = {10.32604/jpm.2026.072622}
}