Effect of organic montmorillonite on microstructure and properties of the OMMT/EVA/Asphalt composites

In order to improve the aging resistance and rutting resistance of the asphalt, a novel OMMT/EVA/asphalt composite was prepared by using organic montmorillonite (OMMT) and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) as modifiers via melt blending method. The microstructure and morphology of the EVA/asphalt composites and the OMMT/EVA/asphalt composites were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and fluorescence microscopy (FM), respectively. XRD patterns indicate that the layers of OMMT are peeled off, and an exfoliated structure is formed. FM images show that a network structure appears between EVA and asphalt. The properties of the OMMT/EVA/asphalt composites were investigated by storage stability test, rotating thin film oven test (RTFOT), and dynamic shear rheometer (DSR), respectively. The results show that OMMT/EVA/asphalt composites exhibit better storage stability and aging resistance than that of EVA‐modified asphalt. Moreover, the obtained composites also show an increase in softening point and complex modulus (G*), and a decrease in penetration and phase angle (δ), which indicate that the OMMT/EVA/asphalt composites display good rutting resistance, high elasticity, and superior anti‐cracking properties. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:1959–1966, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers