Multiscale characterization of the UV aging resistance and mechanism of light stabilizer-modified asphalt

To clarify the effect and mechanism of hindered amine light stabilizer (HALS) on the UV aging behavior of asphalt binder, T622-HALS was selected as the modifier for UV aging resistance of asphalt. The physicochemical properties and microstructure of T622 light stabilizer were comprehensively analyzed. The light stabilizer-modified asphalt was prepared and placed in the UV radiation chamber for UV aging treatment. Scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscope were used to analyze the microscopic morphology evolution of light stabilizer-modified asphalt induced by UV radiation. The thermal properties and functional group composition changes in light stabilizer-modified asphalt during UV aging were studied by using the thermogravimetric and infrared spectroscopy combined testing system. The decay laws of the physical and rheological performances of light stabilizer-modified asphalt were studied during UV aging process, and the effect of light stabilizer on the UV aging behavior of asphalt binder was clarified. The research results indicated that HALSs could alleviate the microcracks and roughness change on the surface of asphalt and reduce the content of functional groups such as carbonyl and sulfoxide in asphalt. Furthermore, HALS could reduce the value difference of physical and rheological properties of asphalt before and after UV aging, significantly improving the UV aging resistance of asphalt binder.