As shown in rosin ester-based tackifiers, the addition of AO-2 can greatly reduce the hydroperoxide formation of aC5-hydrocarbon based tackifier during static oven aging at 40°C (104°F) (Fig. 13).
1. Effects of Tackifier Stability on the Physical Properties of a HMA
The prolonged effects due to thermal oxidation of a tackifier during storage correlate directly with the level of discoloration and viscosity changes in the HMA formulation. An effectively stabilized tackifier will produce a HMA with good color and controlled viscosity. When used in a HMA formulation, an unstabilized tackifier will result in a
Figure 12 Stabilization of rosin ester tackifier: melt viscosity at 170°C (338°F) after oven aging at 40°C (104°F). |
Figure 13 Stabiliztion of C5-hydrocarbon tackifier: hydroperoxide formation during oven aging at 40°C (104°F). |
HMA with high degree of discoloration and an unstable viscosity. Stabilizing a HMA formulation, however, will not correct for the addition of an unstabilized or preoxidized tackifier. The best performance can be achieved with the addition of an effective stabilizer to both the tackifier and the HMA.