Mechanism of HCB-Modified Asphalt and Dynamic Properties of Mixtures

Hydroxymethyl carbon black (HCB) was prepared as an asphalt modifier with a high oxygen content and active surface chemical properties. The microstructure of HCB was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The improvement effect of HCB on asphalt’s physical, dynamic shear, rheological, and aging properties was evaluated. To analyze the dynamic properties of the HCB-modified asphalt mixtures, a simple performance test (SPT) was conducted, and then the change laws of the dynamic modulus and phase angle for the HCB mixtures were clarified. The results showed that the surface of HCB is smooth and that the oxygen content increases with the generation of hydroxyl functional groups. Polar oxygen-containing functional groups and hydrogen bonds are helpful in improving the resistance to cracking and aging. The surface activity of HCB is susceptible to temperature and frequency, causing a slight influence of HCB on the viscoelasticity of asphalt mixtures at high and low frequencies. At low temperatures and high frequencies, the HCB enhanced the elasticity characteristics and weakened the viscosity characteristics of asphalt mixtures.