Research Symposium

BIO

Rudy Santayana is a senior pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering with Honors in Civil Engineering at the FAMU–FSU College of Engineering. His research focuses on advancing characterization techniques for modifiers in asphalt binders. For the past three years, he has conducted research with the PRISM Lab under the mentorship of Dr. Michael Elwardany, studying the chemical and rheological effects of modifiers on asphalt binders. He has received several honors, including completing the Honors in the Major research program, the EUREKA Fellowship, and the Undergraduate Research Award (URA). Rudy has also presented his work at Meeting of the Minds, FSU Fall Research Day, and Posters at the Capitol. He plans to pursue a Master of Science in Materials Science and Engineering, aiming to advance material technologies that improve the resilience and longevity of critical infrastructure.

Mechanistic Evaluation of Reactive Polymer–Binder Interactions Across Asphalt Chemistries

Abstract

To meet increasing pavement performance demands under growing traffic loads, asphalt binders are commonly modified with polymers to tailor their rheological behavior for specific climatic and loading conditions. However, a mechanistic understanding of how reactive modifiers interact with varying asphalt binder chemistries remains limited. This study investigates a polyurethane isocyanate-based reactive polymer and examines its interactions with standardized experimental binders from the Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP). Using rheological characterization alongside chemical analysis through Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry (FT-ICR MS), the research evaluates how these interactions influence binder chemistry and performance-related properties, providing insight into the design of more durable, high-performing pavement materials.

Keywords: Asphalt Binders; Reactive Polymers; Dynamic Shear Rheometry; FTIR Spectroscopy; FT-ICR Mass Spectrometry