Abstract
The use of polymer-modified bitumens (PMBs) has increased significantly for more than two decades. PMBs are usually prepared at high temperatures and subsequently stored for a period of time, also at high temperatures. The attention of this paper is focused in the analysis of the factors that determine the stability of styrene-butadiene-Vstyrene copolymer (SBS)/sulfur modified bitumen maintained at high temperatures. Bitumens from different paving grades were used to prepare SBS/sulfur modified bitumens. Changes in the values of toughness, softening point, as well as in the morphology of PMB samples, stored at 160$#176;C, were related to the bitumen chemical composition and to the sulfur concentrations present in the neat bitumen used in their preparation. The compatibility of the bitumen used to manufacture an SBS binder had an important effect on morphology, with incompatible bitumens forming globular particles but binders made with compatible bitumens retaining a homogeneous appearance.
