Investigation of the effects of beeswax and boron oxide on the physical and rheological properties of bitumen

In this thesis, the usability of beeswax and boron oxide in bitumen modification and their effects on the structural, physical and rheological properties of bitumen were investigated. For this purpose, beeswax and boron oxide were added to the base bitumen separately and together at different rates. In order to examine the effect of the modifications on the structural properties of base bitumen, FT-IR analysis was performed. In order to determine the physical and rheological properties, penetration, softening point, specific gravity, solubility in trichloroethylene, ductility, flash and burning point, Nicholson stripping, rotational viscometer (RV), rolling thin film oven (RTFOT), pressure aging vessel (PAV), dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) and bending beam rheometer (BBR) tests were used. As a result of the experiments, it was determined that the wax increased the workability of the bitumen and the boron oxide improved the high temperature performance of the bitumen. When beeswax and boron oxide are used together in the same proportions, the high temperature performance is improved without decreasing the workability of the bitumen. Therefore, it has been concluded that the use of beeswax and boron oxide in the same proportions in bitumen modification can improve rutting resistance without increasing environmental damage. It has also been noted that the combined use of beeswax and boron oxide in bitumen modification provides a very effective improvement in the stripping resistance of bitumen.