{"status":"ok","message-type":"work","message-version":"1.0.0","message":{"indexed":{"date-parts":[[2026,10,2]],"date-time":"2026-10-02T04:54:17Z","timestamp":1790916857461,"version":"4.1.0"},"reference-count":35,"publisher":"MDPI AG","issue":"19","license":[{"start":{"date-parts":[[2026,9,30]],"date-time":"2026-09-30T00:00:00Z","timestamp":1790726400000},"content-version":"vor","delay-in-days":0,"URL":"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/"}],"funder":[{"name":"Hunan Provincial Department of Education","award":["24A0752"],"award-info":[{"award-number":["24A0752"]}]},{"name":"Hunan Provincial Department of Education","award":["24B1069"],"award-info":[{"award-number":["24B1069"]}]},{"award":["24A0752"],"award-info":[{"award-number":["24A0752"]}],"id":[{"id":"https:\/\/ror.org\/05ckg3w11","id-type":"ROR","asserted-by":"publisher"}]},{"award":["24B1069"],"award-info":[{"award-number":["24B1069"]}],"id":[{"id":"https:\/\/ror.org\/05ckg3w11","id-type":"ROR","asserted-by":"publisher"}]},{"name":"Hunan Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China","award":["2026JJ30140"],"award-info":[{"award-number":["2026JJ30140"]}]},{"name":"Hunan Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China","award":["2026JJ90157"],"award-info":[{"award-number":["2026JJ90157"]}]}],"content-domain":{"domain":[],"crossmark-restriction":false},"short-container-title":["Polymers"],"abstract":"<jats:p>Conventional thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)-modified asphalt suffers from poor high-temperature performance, and the influence of aggregate skeleton structure on the performance of TPU-based modified asphalt mixtures remains insufficiently understood. TPU-modified asphalt and SMC-grafted TPU composite-modified asphalt were prepared via in situ prepolymerization, using base asphalt (BA) and SBS-modified asphalt as control binders. Four types of AC-16 asphalt mixtures were designed and systematically evaluated in terms of volumetric properties, low-temperature mechanical behavior, pavement performance, and aging resistance. The coarse aggregate void filling (CAVF) gradation was introduced to compare performance differences among mixtures with identical binders but distinct aggregate skeleton structures. The results demonstrated that TPU\/SMC composite modification enhanced the high-temperature performance of asphalt mixtures while maintaining satisfactory low-temperature cracking resistance. The dynamic stability of the composite-modified mixture was over 60% higher than that of the base mixture, while its maximum flexural tensile strain at low temperature exceeded that of the conventional SBS-modified system. After aging, the freeze\u2013thaw splitting strength retention rate of the composite-modified mixture reached 98.5%, and its aging resistance outperformed that of the SBS-modified mixture. CAVF gradation further improved the performance of TSMA mixtures, increasing fatigue life by 22.5% while enhancing rutting and moisture damage resistance. These findings demonstrate that CAVF-based aggregate structure optimization can further improve the pavement performance of TSMA mixtures and provide an experimental basis for material selection and gradation design of steel bridge decks and cold-region asphalt pavements.<\/jats:p>","DOI":"10.3390\/polym18192397","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2026,9,30]],"date-time":"2026-09-30T15:20:59Z","timestamp":1790781659000},"page":"2397","update-policy":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/mdpi_crossmark_policy","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":0,"title":["Performance Evaluation of In Situ Prepolymerized TPU\/SMC Composite-Modified Asphalt Mixtures with Aggregate Structure Optimization"],"prefix":"10.3390","volume":"18","author":[{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0009-0006-5846-8724","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Jun","family":"Zhang","sequence":"first","affiliation":[{"name":"College of Transportation Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, China"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Naisheng","family":"Guo","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"College of Transportation Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, China"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0002-0555-0824","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Hongbin","family":"Zhu","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"College of Transportation Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, China"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Ping","family":"Chen","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Intelligent Engineering Technology Research Center, Harbin Cambridge University, Harbin 150069, China"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0001-8643-4608","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Zhichen","family":"Wang","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Intelligent Engineering Technology Research Center, Harbin Cambridge University, Harbin 150069, China"},{"name":"Guangzhou City University of Technology, Guangzhou 510800, China"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Hang","family":"Su","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"College of Transportation Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, China"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Guangshuai","family":"Wu","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"College of Transportation Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, China"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]}],"member":"1968","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2026,9,30]]},"reference":[{"key":"ref_1","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"16974","DOI":"10.1021\/acs.langmuir.6c01856","article-title":"Atomistic Prediction of the Effects of Structural Differences in Bio-Oil Fatty Acids on Thermodynamic Properties and Rejuvenation Behavior of Aged Bitumen","volume":"42","author":"Zhu","year":"2026","journal-title":"Langmuir"},{"key":"ref_2","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"24615","DOI":"10.1021\/acs.langmuir.6c03933","article-title":"Chemical Characterization of Fatty Acid Structures and Molecular Dynamics Simulation on the Effects of Different Structures on Thermodynamic Properties of Bio-Oil Rejuvenated Bitumen","volume":"42","author":"Zhu","year":"2026","journal-title":"Langmuir"},{"key":"ref_3","first-page":"1","article-title":"Multi-Objective Optimization of Epoxy Asphalt Concrete Orthotropic Steel Bridge Deck Systems with Response Surface Methodology","volume":"24","author":"Jiang","year":"2025","journal-title":"Int. J. Pavement Res. Technol."},{"key":"ref_4","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Yang, S., Zhou, Z., Zhang, Y., and Li, K. (2025). Dynamic Response Analysis of Steel Bridge Deck Pavement Using Analytical Methods. Coatings, 15.","DOI":"10.3390\/coatings15091019"},{"key":"ref_5","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"726","DOI":"10.1007\/s42947-023-00378-9","article-title":"Measurement of the Performances of Various Asphalt Mixtures on Suspended Steel Deck Bridge Pavements","volume":"18","author":"Eren","year":"2025","journal-title":"Int. J. Pavement Res. Technol."},{"key":"ref_6","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"144963","DOI":"10.1016\/j.conbuildmat.2025.144963","article-title":"Property Evolution and Mechanism of Rejuvenated Bitumen during Rejuvenation and Secondary Aging Based on Form and Unsaturation of Fatty Acids","volume":"506","author":"Zhu","year":"2026","journal-title":"Constr. Build. Mater."},{"key":"ref_7","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"128361","DOI":"10.1016\/j.polymer.2025.128361","article-title":"A Comprehensive Review of Polyurethane: Properties, Applications and Future Perspectives","volume":"327","author":"Wu","year":"2025","journal-title":"Polymer"},{"key":"ref_8","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Sheng, H., Ma, R., Li, Y., Cheng, P., and Cheng, A. (2026). Advances in Polyurethane-Modified Asphalt via the Prepolymer Method: Molecular Design, Modification Mechanisms, Structural Evolution, and Performance Optimisation. Polymers, 18.","DOI":"10.3390\/polym18151803"},{"key":"ref_9","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"503","DOI":"10.1039\/D4SU00542B","article-title":"Performance Assessment of Self-Healing Polyurethane Elastomer as an Additive in Modified Asphalt","volume":"3","author":"Wu","year":"2024","journal-title":"RSC Sustain."},{"key":"ref_10","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"133007","DOI":"10.1016\/j.fuel.2024.133007","article-title":"MDI-PTMG-Based TPU Modified Asphalt: Preparation, Rheological Properties and Molecular Dynamics Simulation","volume":"379","author":"Zhang","year":"2025","journal-title":"Fuel"},{"key":"ref_11","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"137903","DOI":"10.1016\/j.matlet.2024.137903","article-title":"Investigation of the Modification Mechanism of Thermoplastic Polyurethane Composite Modified Asphalt","volume":"382","author":"Long","year":"2025","journal-title":"Mater. Lett."},{"key":"ref_12","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Du, J., Li, G., Yan, K., and Zhao, X. (2026). Preparation and Performance Study of Thermoplastic Polyurethane\/Graphene Oxide Modified Asphalt. Materials, 19.","DOI":"10.3390\/ma19050857"},{"key":"ref_13","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Yang, P., Cong, P., Hao, H., and Xiong, P. (2025). Physical Properties, Chemical Structure, and Microstructure of Thermoplastic Polyurethane Recycled Material-Modified Asphalt. Buildings, 15.","DOI":"10.3390\/buildings15020281"},{"key":"ref_14","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"315","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jreng.2023.10.001","article-title":"A Comprehensive Review on Polyurethane Modified Asphalt: Mechanism, Characterization and Prospect","volume":"3","author":"Cong","year":"2023","journal-title":"J. Road Eng."},{"key":"ref_15","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"139699","DOI":"10.1016\/j.conbuildmat.2024.139699","article-title":"Investigation of the Rheological Properties and Aging Performance of Rock Asphalt\/Thermoplastic Polyurethane Composite Modified Asphalt","volume":"458","author":"Long","year":"2025","journal-title":"Constr. Build. Mater."},{"key":"ref_16","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Wang, H., Cao, L., Wang, X., Lang, X., Cong, W., Han, L., Zhang, H., Zhou, H., Sun, J., and Zong, C. (2024). Effects of Isocyanate Structure on the Properties of Polyurethane: Synthesis, Performance, and Self-Healing Characteristics. Polymers, 16.","DOI":"10.3390\/polym16213045"},{"key":"ref_17","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"129058","DOI":"10.1016\/j.conbuildmat.2022.129058","article-title":"Polyurethane as a Modifier for Road Asphalt: A Literature Review","volume":"356","author":"Huang","year":"2022","journal-title":"Constr. Build. Mater."},{"key":"ref_18","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1012","DOI":"10.1016\/j.conbuildmat.2019.07.213","article-title":"The Use of Polyurethane for Asphalt Pavement Engineering Applications: A State-of-the-Art Review","volume":"225","author":"Cong","year":"2019","journal-title":"Constr. Build. Mater."},{"key":"ref_19","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"117395","DOI":"10.1016\/j.conbuildmat.2019.117395","article-title":"Rheological Properties and Micro-Characteristics of Polyurethane Composite Modified Asphalt","volume":"234","author":"Jin","year":"2020","journal-title":"Constr. Build. Mater."},{"key":"ref_20","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Zhu, H., Guo, N., Li, Y., Ren, S., Wang, F., Zhang, J., Zheng, Z., Su, H., Zhao, Z., and Zhang, K. (2026). Towards Sustainable Utilization of Rejuvenated Bitumen: A Review with Emphasis on Secondary Aging, Aging Resistance, and Multiple Rejuvenation. Polymers, 18.","DOI":"10.3390\/polym18172103"},{"key":"ref_21","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"116867","DOI":"10.1016\/j.conbuildmat.2019.116867","article-title":"The Synergistic Effect of Organic Montmorillonite and Thermoplastic Polyurethane on Properties of Asphalt Binder","volume":"229","author":"Jia","year":"2019","journal-title":"Constr. Build. Mater."},{"key":"ref_22","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"2514","DOI":"10.1002\/app.2102","article-title":"In Situ Compatibilization of Polystyrene and Polyurethane Blends by Using Poly(Styrene-Co-Maleic Anhydride) as Reactive Compatibilizer","volume":"82","author":"Cassu","year":"2001","journal-title":"J. Appl. Polym. Sci."},{"key":"ref_23","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"244","DOI":"10.5254\/1.3548248","article-title":"Viscoelasticity of Asphalts Modified with SEBS Copolymers Functionalized with Various Amounts of Maleic Anhydride","volume":"82","author":"Vargas","year":"2009","journal-title":"Rubber Chem. Technol."},{"key":"ref_24","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"28411","DOI":"10.1021\/acs.langmuir.5c03404","article-title":"Studies of Diffusion and Adsorption Behavior of Emulsifiers onto the Asphalt Surface Based on a Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation Monitoring and Molecular Dynamics Simulations","volume":"41","author":"Yan","year":"2025","journal-title":"Langmuir"},{"key":"ref_25","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"144898","DOI":"10.1016\/j.conbuildmat.2025.144898","article-title":"Rheological Properties and Aging Durability of In-Situ Synthesized SMC-g-TPU Modified Asphalt","volume":"506","author":"Zhang","year":"2026","journal-title":"Constr. Build. Mater."},{"key":"ref_26","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"130217","DOI":"10.1016\/j.conbuildmat.2022.130217","article-title":"Structural Optimization of Steel Bridge Deck Pavement Based on Mixture Performance and Mechanical Simulation","volume":"367","author":"Sun","year":"2023","journal-title":"Constr. Build. Mater."},{"key":"ref_27","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Du, P., He, Q., Han, Z., Zhang, Q., Xiong, C., and Zhang, Y. (2026). Gradation Design of Epoxy\u2013Asphalt Mixtures for Steel Bridge Deck Pavements Optimized for Skid Resistance in Hot and Humid Climates. Polymers, 18.","DOI":"10.3390\/polym18091088"},{"key":"ref_28","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"144320","DOI":"10.1016\/j.conbuildmat.2025.144320","article-title":"Performance Evaluation of Reclaimed Porous Asphalt Mixtures Based on Different Mixture Design Methods: Meso-Structural Characteristics and Macro-Pavement Properties","volume":"501","author":"Li","year":"2025","journal-title":"Constr. Build. Mater."},{"key":"ref_29","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Xie, S., Lu, P., Yan, W., Wang, S., Lu, Y., Zhu, J., and Zheng, M. (2026). Grading Design and Performance Evaluation of Porous Asphalt Mixture: A Synergistic Optimization of Pavement Performance and Sound Absorption. Infrastructures, 11.","DOI":"10.3390\/infrastructures11030108"},{"key":"ref_30","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"140085","DOI":"10.1016\/j.conbuildmat.2025.140085","article-title":"Mix Design Optimization of High-Viscosity Asphalt Mixtures for Ultra-Thin Pavement Considering Geometric Properties and Interface Slip Behavior for Aggregate System","volume":"464","author":"Pei","year":"2025","journal-title":"Constr. Build. Mater."},{"key":"ref_31","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Jin, X., Sun, S., Guo, N., Huang, S., You, Z., and Tan, Y. (2021). Influence on Polyurethane Synthesis Parameters Upon the Performance of Base Asphalt. Front. Mater., 8.","DOI":"10.3389\/fmats.2021.656261"},{"key":"ref_32","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Lin, T.A., Lou, C.W., and Lin, J.H. (2017). The Effects of Thermoplastic Polyurethane on the Structure and Mechanical Properties of Modified Polypropylene Blends. Appl. Sci., 7.","DOI":"10.3390\/app7121254"},{"key":"ref_33","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1622","DOI":"10.1002\/pat.3415","article-title":"Use of Maleic Anhydride Compatibilization to Improve Toughness and Other Properties of Polylactide Blended with Thermoplastic Elastomers","volume":"25","author":"Kaynak","year":"2014","journal-title":"Polym. Adv. Technol."},{"key":"ref_34","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Yu, R., Zhu, X., Zhang, M., and Fang, C. (2018). Investigation on the Short-Term Aging-Resistance of Thermoplastic Polyurethane-Modified Asphalt Binders. Polymers, 10.","DOI":"10.3390\/polym10111189"},{"key":"ref_35","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"134694","DOI":"10.1016\/j.conbuildmat.2023.134694","article-title":"Exploring the Interplay between Thermo-Oxidative Degradation and Asphalt Aging in Thermoplastic Polyurethane-Modified Asphalt: Mechanisms, Properties, and Performance Evolution","volume":"412","author":"Kong","year":"2024","journal-title":"Constr. Build. Mater."}],"container-title":["Polymers"],"original-title":[],"language":"en","link":[{"URL":"https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/2073-4360\/18\/19\/2397\/pdf","content-type":"unspecified","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"similarity-checking"}],"deposited":{"date-parts":[[2026,10,2]],"date-time":"2026-10-02T04:15:15Z","timestamp":1790914515000},"score":1,"resource":{"primary":{"URL":"https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/2073-4360\/18\/19\/2397"}},"subtitle":[],"short-title":[],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026,9,30]]},"references-count":35,"journal-issue":{"issue":"19","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2026,10]]}},"alternative-id":["polym18192397"],"URL":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/polym18192397","relation":{},"ISSN":["2073-4360"],"issn-type":[{"value":"2073-4360","type":"electronic"}],"subject":[],"published":{"date-parts":[[2026,9,30]]}}}