The use of wax-based additives in bitumen modification: A systematic quantitative literature review

• Published in: Construction & building materials Vol. 407; p. 133423
• Main Authors: Şahan, Neslihan, Kumandaş, Aytuğ, Kabadayı, Ersoy, Çavdar, Erman, Oruç, Şeref
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01-12-2023
• Subjects: Bitumen modification; Systematic quantitative literature review; Wax additives; Wax-modified bitumen; Systematic quantitative literature review; Wax additives; Wax-modified bitumen; Bitumen modification
• ISSN: 0950-0618; 1879-0526
• DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2023.133423

•Wax additives, except MS, improve the workability of bitumen.•Wax additives other than SL harden the bitumen and improve rutting resistance.•The chemical interaction between D wax and bitumen is more pronounced than other wax additives.•The effect of wax-based additives on the thermal behavior of bitumen is negligible.•The effect of wax-based additives on the mechanical properties of bituminous mixtures differs according to the type of aggregate used.
Although the use of waxes in bitumen modification is not new, the effect of waxes on bitumen and bituminous mixture performance is still a complex subject of debate. This study was carried out to address this complexity and to comprehensively demonstrate the effect of wax-based additives on bitumen and bituminous mixtures. In this context, the systematic quantitative literature review (SQLR) method, which is more objective than the verbal approach, was adopted, and the results were systematically compared based on the numerical data obtained from the studies in the literature. The effect of waxes on the physical, rheological, chemical, and thermal properties of bitumen and the performance characteristics of bituminous mixtures have been evaluated in detail.