Vulcanization characteristics of asphalt/SBS blends in the presence of sulfur

The vulcanization of asphalt/styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) triblock copol ymer blends in the presence of elemental sulfur was followed with a strain- controlled rheometer. The vulcanization of the blends took place at tempera tures greater than 140 degreesC. From 150 to 180 degreesC, the curing rate of the blends increased significantly with increasing temperature, and the apparent activation energy of vulcanization was 45.2 kJ mol(-1). A suitable processing temperature for good mechanical and thermally stable properties was between 170 and 180 degreesC. Both the structure of SBS and the sulfur level had important effects on the vulcanization of the blends. A plot of the electric current versus time showed the process of the dynamic vulcaniz ation of the blends. (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.