Study on the Microstructure and Rheological Performance of Asphalt Modified With a Novel <scp>UV</scp> ‐Curable Epoxy Acrylate Resin

ABSTRACT In this paper, UV‐curable resins based on photopolymerization reactions were utilized for asphalt modification, resulting in the development of a novel polymer‐modified asphalt. The curing mechanism of the resin was revealed through the tests of curing kinetics and crosslink density. The microstructures, physical properties, and rheological properties of the UV‐curable resin modified asphalt were characterized by methods such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), fluorescence microscopy (FM), conventional asphalt physical property tests, dynamic shear rheometry (DSR), and bending beam rheometry (BBR). Research results indicate that the UV‐curable resin rapidly constructs a three‐dimensional crosslinked network through photoinitiated synergistic oxygen removal and free radical polymerization. The resin forms a uniformly dispersed phase within the asphalt, and the two phases exhibit favorable thermodynamic compatibility. When the content of UV‐curable resin is 20%, the modified asphalt shows excellent physical properties in terms of penetration, softening point, ductility, and viscosity. The incorporation of UV‐curable resin can effectively improve the high‐temperature rutting resistance and deformation recovery ability of asphalt, while meeting the low‐temperature service requirements. The UV‐curable resin modified asphalt developed in this study can open up new channels for repairing diseases of asphalt pavements in areas with UV radiation in subsequent studies.