Improving the Longevity of Locally Modified Asphalt with Polymers Thorough Evaluation of Rheological Properties and Performance

This research aimed to enhance the longevity of local grade 40/50 cement asphalt pavement by incorporating polymer additives—polyvinyl acetate (PVAc), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and poly cyanoacrylate (PCA)—at varying percentages. The focus was on improving rheological properties to meet Iraqi road and bridge construction standards, specifically the post-thin film oven test (RTFO). The novelty lies in the limited exploration of PCA polymer applications in asphalt. Two scenarios were employed: one with both sulfur and catalyst, anhydrous aluminum chloride (AlCl3), and the other with only the catalyst, excluding sulfur. Microwave radiation (360 watts) for different durations (5, 10, and 15 minutes) was utilized. Various tests evaluated physical, chemical, and aging properties, revealing that while indigenous grade 40/50 asphalt initially met rheological standards, it failed post-RTFO, with PMMA showing no improvement. In contrast, both PVAc and PCA exhibited enhanced rheological properties. The combination of 0.5% of all polymers with microwave treatment resulted in significant improvement, with the best outcomes observed using PCA polymer without sulfur. This study underscores the effectiveness of incorporating PCA without sulfur, addressing the gap in existing research. Rigorous examination of physical, chemical, and aging properties validated the improvements in asphalt performance, highlighting PCA’s potential as a valuable polymer additive for pavement enhancement.