Preparation and characterization of a storable water-triggered reactive asphalt cold patch binder and its mixture

To address the low early strength and poor storage stability of conventional cold patch materials for pavement repair, this study develops a water-triggered reactive asphalt cold patch system. The effects of base asphalt, No. 3 aviation kerosene, and unsaturated fatty acid A proportions on cold patch binder performance were evaluated using viscosity, volatility, and pull-off strength. The binder curing behavior was then examined using conventional asphalt index tests, and FTIR was used to characterize chemical functional-group changes before and after curing. The storage stability, strength development, and road performance of the developed cold patch material were assessed. The optimal binder formulation was determined as 15% No. 3 aviation kerosene and 40% unsaturated fatty acid A by weight of base asphalt. The developed cold patch material cured rapidly during the first three days and reached near-stable properties after seven days. During curing, the carboxyl groups in the unsaturated fatty acid undergo saponification to form carboxylates, accompanied by attenuation or disappearance of the C═O carbonyl absorption and reconstruction of aromatic-ring structures. The proposed material showed high strength, improved rutting and low-temperature deformation resistance, good water stability, and storage stability for at least 21 days at room temperature.