UV aging behavior evolution characterization of HALS-modified asphalt based on micro-morphological features

To clarify the effect of Hindered amine light stabilizer (HALS) on ultraviolet (UV) aging behavior of asphalt binder, the evolution history and characteristics of the UV induced micro-structure of modified asphalt were characterized. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) were used to analyze the microscopic morphology evolution of light stabilizer-modified asphalt during UV aging. By defining the micro-structure of asphalt in aging joints induced by UV, the identification and classification of typical micro-structure are proposed. On this basis, an evaluation method based on the morphology evolution process of modified asphalt aging was proposed to quantitatively analyze the effect of HALS on the UV aging of asphalt binder. The results show that the control effect of HALS on the UV aging behavior of asphalt can be verified by SEM and AFM detection methods. At the same time, the aging interval of the asphalt modified by hindered amine was divided by the method, and it was verified that the HALS could significantly prolong the service life of the asphalt binder. The micro-morphology of asphalt binder undergoes the process of crack generation and propagation during UV aging. The micro-morphological changes of UV aged asphalt were interfered effectively by HALS, which could alleviate and control the development of UV induced micro-cracks, and promote the fusion of micro-cracks. This study provides an effective evaluation method for detecting UV aging microscopic evolution of HALS.