TECHNIQUES TO REGAIN THE OLD ASPHALT PROPERTIES BY APPLYING THE HYDROTHERMAL DECOMPOSITION METHOD

Abstract

 Achievements of various studies have been piling up recently with a view to the continuous recycling of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP). But there are still many ambiguities as to the optimum percentage of recycled aggregate content and the efficacy of rejuvenators. For this reason, the sustainable use of RAP is not yet secured. The hydrothermal decomposition method utilizing the solvent property of high-temperature and high-pressure water is currently applied in the process of modifying oil sand bitumen, for example. And, we have confirmed the potential effect of old asphalt properties being recovered in the process of developing an asphalt extractive test using high-temperature and high-pressure water as a solvent. In this research, we took note of the hydrothermal decomposition method with water as hot as 200 to 350 degrees C since this method was known for many examples of application. We have examined the process of old asphalt properties gaining recovery in that particular method. Confirmed as a result of the hydrothermal decomposition method is the possibility of old asphalt reviving its original raw material state, by and large, in the chemical as well as physical properties after being decomposed into low molecules and then reduced in its oxidization.