Microencapsulated for Self-Healing Fatigue Cracks in Asphalt Materials

The objective of this study was to prepare microcapsules containing modified vegetable oil and assess the rheological properties of asphalt incorporating these microcapsules for potential use in self-healing processes. Initially, castor oil was epoxidized (ECO) through chemical modifications to its side chain. The microcapsules were prepared using the in-situ polymerization method, and their chemical characteristics were evaluated. Dynamic shear rheology (DSR) and amplitude linear sweep tests were performed to study the rheological properties and self-healing ability of asphalt containing microcapsules. The results showed that the microcapsule material was successfully synthesized. Furthermore, thermal analysis showed that the microcapsules can withstand high temperatures, which is reflected in possible resistance during the construction of the asphalt pavement. Rheological tests showed that microcapsules containing bio-oil provide better resistance to cracking, in addition to having the ability to restore the properties of an aged binder.