The antioxidant effect of grape pomace in asphalt binder

Abstract

Asphalt binder ages on time mainly due to oxidation during mixing, and in service along the years. Theaging effect will diminish material viscoelastic properties until it becomes brittle. Once asphalt binderreaches its brittle stage, the material will reduce its capability to withstand repeated traffic loads whilein service, (fatigue). There are four methods to enhance fatigue life of an asphalt pavement; among thesemethods is the use of antioxidants. The work presented in this paper summarises the research work wheregrape pomace residue has been used as an antioxidant. The research objectives were to evaluate andunderstand the antioxidant effect of this additive. Consistency and rheological tests where used to provethe relative effect for reducing aging when adding grape pomace residue. It was possible to demonstratethe antioxidant properties of the additive but at the same time, it was found that the small solid undissolvedparticles of the additive would produce a secondary effect that will it make more difficult to isolate thepure antioxidant effect.