The Transport Technology and Industry Innovation Development Conference 2026 was held in Tianjin from June 3 to 5 immediately after the World Transport Convention (WTC). This conference aims to build a high-level exchange and cooperation platform for multiple disciplines in comprehensive transportation, and to promote the deep integration of transportation technology innovation and industry innovation. Yuzhao Han, Ph.D. candidate from Tongji University and Principal Investigator of NEXCEL 2025 PHD project titled “Disintegration-oxidation method and multiphase compatibilization mechanism of recycled rubber-polyethylene modified asphalt,” delivered a presentation on “Effects of physicochemical activation on rubber–polyethylene polymers and the performance of rubber–polyethylene modified asphalt”.
The presentation focused on the high-value utilization of waste tire crumb rubber and recycled polyethylene in road asphalt materials. Addressing key challenges such as insufficient compatibility, poor storage stability, and difficult-to-control construction viscosity in solid-waste rubber–polyethylene modified asphalt, the report systematically introduced the effects of physical–chemical activation methods, including thermal shear activation, interfacial grafting, and surface oxidation, on the structure of rubber–polyethylene polymers and the performance of modified asphalt. The results showed that appropriate activation processes and degrees can improve the interfacial reactivity and dispersion state of rubber–polyethylene polymers. In particular, interfacial grafting activation achieved better compatibilization and viscosity-reduction effects while balancing the high and lowtemperature performance of modified asphalt. These findings provide technical support for the large-scale application of waste rubber and plastic resources in high-performance road materials.
