Effects of Polyethylene Glycol/Porous Silica Form-Stabilized Phase Change Materials on the Performance of Asphalt Binders

The road performance and temperature-regulating properties of asphalt binders modified with novel polyethylene glycol (PEG)/porous silica (PS) form-stabilized phase-change materials (PEG/PS-fs-PCMs) were studied. PS and PEG were used as the supporting substance and PCMs. The results showed that PEG/PS-fs-PCMs could maintain a maximum weight percentage of 70% without leakage, at temperatures as high as 90 °C. The PEG/PS-fs-PCMs exhibited stable chemical structures, excellent thermal stability, high heat storage density, and suitable phase-change temperature. Based on conventional physical tests, the addition of PEG/PS-fs-PCMs can increase the viscosity and the degree of hardness of asphalt binders; thus, achieving an excellent comprehensive performance of the modified asphalt binder depends on determining the optimal dosage of PEG/PS-fs-PCMs. Additionally, incorporating PEG/PS-fs-PCM particles into the asphalt binder can enhance its ability to withstand permanent deformation at elevated temperatures, while PEG/PS-fs-PCMs mainly act as a filler, weakening the cohesive force of the asphalt molecules, and preventing the ductility of asphalt from expansion, according to DSR and BBR tests. Moreover, the use of PEG/PS-fs-PCMs can enhance the heat transfer properties of the asphalt binders, resulting in an improved temperature regulation performance. However, the accumulation of PEG/PS-fs-PCM particles on asphalt binders can negatively impact the storage stability of the modified asphalt binders, because of the difference in density between the two materials.