Optimization of Activated Rubber Asphalt Production Parameters Based on Rheological Properties and Multi-Index Evaluation.

This study presents a method to more reasonably control the quality performance of activated rubber asphalt by microwave activation. Different activated rubber asphalt preparation process parameters (reaction temperature, stirring rate, and reaction time) were selected to explore the influence of different process parameters on the macroscopic properties of rubber asphalt, and a multi-indicator evaluation model was set up using the theoretical method of the RSR model to determine the optimal production process parameters. The results showed that reaction temperature had the strongest influence (gray correlation > 0.85) among production parameters, followed by stirring rate and reaction time. The optimal parameters identified were a reaction temperature of 220 °C, a stirring rate of 1000 rpm, and a reaction time of 120 min, under which the viscosity-temperature sensitivity decreased by approximately 18%, and the rutting factor (G*/sinδ) increased by over 20%, indicating significant improvements in rheological stability and high-temperature performance. The integrated evaluation approach provided reliable and practical guidance for producing high-performance activated rubber asphalt.