Bone glue modified fuel resistant asphalt binder

Fuel resistant asphalt (FRA) is the binder that can delay hydrocarbon fuel damage by resisting the cut-back properties of hydrocarbon fuels such as gasoline, kerosene, etc. The high solubility of asphalt binder in hydrocarbon fuels results in pavement damage that is due to fuel/oil spills at airports, parking lots, drive ways, and roads. FRA can effectively be used to minimize the damage caused by hydrocarbon fuels and improve overall performance of the pavement structure. The additives/composition used in the past to develop FRA were not fully disclosed by the inventors. This research study focused on developing FRA for commercial use using a biopolymer as an additive. Fuel resistance testing, along with mechanical performance testing, was used to evaluate the fuel resistance capabilities and performance of modified binder. Furthermore, a conventional styrene butadiene styrene modified binder was used to compare the fuel damage resistance capabilities and performance characteristics of bio versus synthetic polymer-modified binders. The biopolymer not only significantly enhanced the fuel damage resistance of the neat binder but also improved mechanical properties of the neat binder. Biopolymer-modified asphalt binder showed improvement in rut resistance, elastic response, and performance grade at intermediate and high temperatures.