Physicochemical and aging characterisation of bio-binders from pine wood resin for paving applications
María José Castro-Alonso, Leidy V. Espinosa, Paulo Ricardo Franco Marcelino, Kamilla Vasconcelos, Joana Carolina Freire Sandes Santos, Raquel Moraes, Sílvio Silvério da Silva, Liedi Légi Bariani Bernucci
Abstract
This study characterised two bio-binders (named Bio A and Bio B) derived from pine wood resins and designed for full replacement of asphalt binder. Bio A and Bio B were compared to a petroleum-based asphalt binder (AC 30/45). Elemental analysis, Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry, Thermogravimetric analysis, and Linear Viscoelastic characterisation were applied to evaluate the materials studied. The susceptibility to aging was evaluated by comparing unaged and short-term aged samples of the three binders. Bio A showed a penetration grade of 29 (0.1 mm) and softening point of 55.2°C, while Bio B showed 21 (0.1 mm) and 57°C, respectively. AC 30/45 showed a penetration grade of 30 (0.1 mm) and softening point of 55°C. Bio B was found as more prone to aging than Bio A and AC30/45. This result might be related to the higher presence of saturated fatty acid methyl esters in Bio B.