ENGINEERING PROPERTIES OF FIRST GENERATION PLASTICIZED SULFUR BINDERS AND LOW TEMPERATURE FRACTURE EVALUATION OF PLASTICIZED SULFUR PAVING MIXTURES.

The low temperature fracture potential, fatigue potential, and deformation characteristics of first generation plasticized sulfur binders in paving mixtures are discussed. Fracture mechanics techniques were used in the characterization of these materials. Recommendations, based on properties of first generation materials, for improvement of the engineering behavior of second generation plasticized sulfur binders in paving mixtures are presented. Plasticized sulfur binders are promising new materials; however, low temerature fracture sensitivity is a problem that must be overcome before these binders can be used in cold climates or regions susceptible to rapid temperature drops. Rheological testing has illustrated the temperature sensitivity of plasticized sulfur binders and the need to consider this sensitivity in design applications.