## 4 Conclusions  
1. The morphological changes of the SBS modifier in the preparation process through low-speed mixing can be summarized as follows: SBS edge networking, network filamentation, filament granulation, and granular atomization. The edge portions of the SBS particles absorb heat first, forming a network pore structure known as edge networking. As the network structure continues to absorb heat, it breaks apart to form a filamentary structure, known as network filamentation. Further heating leads to the fragmentation of the filamentary structure into multiple granular forms of SBS, known as filament granulation. This cycle of edge networking, network filamentation, and filament granulation is repeated multiple times until the SBS particles become extremely small, visually resembling a misty granular form, in a process known as granular atomization. 2. In the process of preparing modified asphalt through low-speed mixing with pre-cut SBS modifier, the mixing time should be controlled within 30 to 60 min to achieve uniform dispersion and excellent performance of the modified asphalt. If the mixing time is too short, the performance of the modified asphalt will be weaker than that of conventional-process asphalt. Pre-cut SBS-modified asphalt mixed for 30 to 60 min exhibits a filament-point combined morphology wherein the filamentous SBS enhances interlocking, resulting in a stronger network structure. This imparts excellent high-temperature rutting resistance, fatigue resistance, and low-temperature crack resistance. Mixing for 120 min results in a morphology with small granular particles resembling a mist. Interestingly, this morphology weakens the strength of the network structure and leads to a decrease in overall performance. 3. In the process of preparing modified asphalt through low-speed mixing with pre-cut SBS modifier, when the shredded SBS particle size is greater than 18 mesh, the resulting modified asphalt exhibits uniform dispersion and excellent performance. The SBS-modified asphalt prepared in this way features a filament-point combined morphology, leading to outstanding overall performance. When the particle size is in the range of 30 to 18 mesh, the modified asphalt benefits from larger filament widths and particle diameters, resulting in a stronger network structure and higher resistance to high-temperature rutting. On the other hand, at a particle size of 100 to 30 mesh, the modified asphalt possesses smaller filament widths and particle diameters, leading to better network structure extensibility and, consequently, improved performance in terms of mid-temperature fatigue resistance and low-temperature crack resistance. 4. Compared to the traditional method of preparing SBS-modified asphalt, the new process of using pre-shredded SBS instead of high-speed shearing reduces the overall preparation time by 1 to 3 h, resulting in lower energy consumption. Moreover, it improves aging resistance by 10% to 13%. Additionally, SBS-modified asphalt prepared using the new process demonstrates superior performance, thus reducing road wear and saving maintenance costs. 5. This research investigated the microstructure, three key indicators, rheological properties, and chemical composition of asphalt for which the pre-cutting process was used instead of high-speed shearing. It is anticipated that future research will comprehensively explore other aspects of performance, such as water damage resistance. Additionally, the asphalt mixture prepared using this process will be subjected to performance testing for road applications, including Hamburg wheel tracking test, semi-circular bend test (SCB), four-point bending fatigue test, and more. Finally, we hope to apply the pre-cutting process as a replacement for high-speed shearing to a wider range of modifiers, such as SEBS, EVA, and petroleum resins. **Author Contributions:** Conceptualization, Y.W. and H.Y. ; methodology, Y.C. ; software, S.L. ; validation, Y.W., H.Y. and S.Z. ; formal analysis, Y.W. ; investigation, Y.W. and C.Y. ; resources, Y.W.