Investigation of the effect of boric acid additive on bitumen modification by DSR and FT-IR test methods

Abstract

Bitumen, one of the oldest known engineering materials, has been extensively utilized for millennia as both a waterproofing agent and a binder in pavement construction. To improve its engineering properties, a wide range of materials have been explored for bitumen modification. In recent years, a notable increase in the use of boron compounds for this purpose has been reported in the literature. Most existing studies focus on the laboratory synthesis of boron-based additives, which are then incorporated into bitumen matrices. In the present study, the effect of boric acid—a by-product of boron—on the rheological and chemical properties of bitumen was investigated. Modified bitumen samples were produced using varying concentrations of boric acid (0.05%, 0.10%, and 0.15% by weight). Rheological properties were assessed using a Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR), while chemical characterization was performed through Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). DSR results demonstrated that boric acid enhanced the viscoelastic performance of bitumen. Additionally, FT-IR analysis revealed notable changes in the chemical structure of the modified samples, indicating potential interactions between boric acid and the bitumen matrix.

Keywords

• boric acid
• transportation
• DSR
• bitumen modification

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