Effect of shear processing on the linear viscoelastic behaviour and microstructure of bitumen/montmorillonite/MDI ternary composites

摘要

Polymer modified bitumens (PMBs) have largely been utilized as a construction material. However, lack of affinity between bitumen and polymer leads to phase separation, and eventually, performance depletion. In this paper, alternative formulations of bitumen with an organically-modified montmorillonite (OMMT) Cloisite 20A® and polymeric methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) were prepared by melt blending. Their comprehensive rheological characterization evidenced improved linear viscoelastic properties when OMMT is added, revealing a noticeable structural reinforcement and thermal stability. Rheological data also showed that MDI-involved reactions control the composite end properties, being greatly influenced by the shear conditions applied.\ud\ud