Asphalt-rubber interaction in crumb rubber modified asphalt: a review

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-25-2026

Department

Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering

Abstract

This paper reviews asphalt-rubber interactions from macroscopic, microscopic, and molecular perspectives, and discusses solutions for high viscosity and poor storage stability in crumb rubber-modified asphalt (CRMA). Crumb rubber (CR) interacts with asphalt through swelling and degradation, where swelling is a physical process that enhances high- and low-temperature performance, while degradation is a chemical process that generally reduces high-temperature resistance but improves low-temperature properties. The dominant interaction influencing CRMA performance is determined by CR characteristics, asphalt composition, and CRMA production conditions. The basket drainage method and molecular simulations provide insights into the affinity between CR and asphalt components. Strategies to reduce viscosity or improve storage stability include production control, warm mix additives, oil pre-soaking, CR devulcanization, grafting, and polymer additives. These methods either accelerate swelling or promote degradation, affecting viscosity, stability, and thermomechanical performance. Developing kinetic models for CR swelling and degradation, linking them to performance, and identifying consistent solutions for viscosity reduction and stability improvement are crucial for advancing CRMA application from recycled tires for sustainable infrastructure.

Publication Title

Journal of Cleaner Production

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