Bitumen fluxing properties of a new class of sustainable solvents: The isosorbide di-alkyl ethers

The performances of new bio-sourced solvents, the short chain mono- and di-alkyl isosorbide ethers, have been determined and compared to benchmark bitumen fluxes. The influences of fluxes and temperature on the Newtonian viscosity have been assessed. The various fluxes appear to impact also on the visco-elastic behaviour of paving bitumen and dimethyl isosorbide ether (DMI) exhibits good fluxing properties. This bio-sourced solvent has also the property to be fully miscible with water. The bitumen hardness recovery can consequently occur from two different phenomena: evaporation and diffusion from the bitumen to water, making this solvent an appropriate bitumen flux for rainy seasons.