From June 16th to 18th, 2026, the 2nd RILEM International Symposium on Bituminous Materials (ISBM2026) was held in Padova, Italy, under the auspices of the International Union of Laboratories and Experts in Construction Materials, Systems and Structures (RILEM). The symposium addressed major scientific and technological challenges in bituminous materials and pavement structures, highlighting recent advances and innovative practices. 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 "Exploring the impact of oxidative activation of rubber-polyethylene elastomer on modified asphalt compatibility and rheological behavior".
To address the poor compatibility of solid waste rubber/polyethylene modified asphalt and the low activation efficiency of single polymers, the research investigated the activation mechanism of rubber/plastic modifiers via surface oxidation, as well as the effects of varying oxidation degrees on the performance of modified asphalt. The results indicate that deeper oxidation significantly improves the storage stability (compatibility) and workability of the modified asphalt, but negatively affects its resistance to high-temperature deformation, suggesting a critical balance between the degree of activation and high-temperature performance. This study provides crucial technical support for the large-scale application of waste rubber and polyethylene plastic resources in high-performance pavement materials.
