The efficiency of bitumen rejuvenator investigated through Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD) analysis and T 2 -NMR spectroscopy

Nowadays, many different materials are known to function, using different test methods, as rejuvenating agent when introduced into recycled asphalt pavements. However, it should be noticed that, an additive, which has a complete rejuvenating function, enables the chemical structure reorganization of the aged bitumen, otherwise not achieved by traditional methods. This rearrangement brings back the aged bitumen structure to the condition of the original one, restoring the elasticity and workability of the binder. In this study, two non-toxic and eco-friendly biocompatible additives have been tested to work as rejuvenators on an aged bitumen binder by means of Powder X-Ray Diffraction (PXRD) measurements and Nuclear Magnetic Spectroscopy (NMR). Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) analysis has been proved to be a very useful technique for assessing the structure of virgin, aged, and rejuvenating agent-added bitumen and for figuring out the chemical action of the additive in bitumen. All the test results were also supported by T2-NMR spectroscopy, which proves the validity of this method in chemical analysis.