Review on the potentials of natural rubber in bitumen modification

Abstract

In recent times both natural and synthetic rubber were blended with bitumen with the hope of producing a more durable hot mix asphalt. Although the application of natural rubber (NR) in bitumen modification have started long time ago prior to crumb rubber; only few literatures that completely characterised its performance are found today. This review aims to remind researchers and paving agencies on the benefits of NR rubberised asphalt. The study draw attention to NR production process and its unique properties, how NR was used to solve four major asphalt pavement failures namely rutting, fatigue, thermal cracking, and moisture susceptibility. It also presents barriers limiting the application of NR in bitumen modification with possible solution. Lastly, the concept of applying NR in warm mix asphalt was introduced.