# Enhancing Asphalt Binder Performance and Storage Stability with Trinidad Lake Asphalt (TLA)
## 3 Results and Discussion
### Storage Stability Results  
The storage stability study focused on two key parameters: viscosity and G*/sin \(\delta\), considering only the top and bottom parts of the samples after the conditioning period. Tables 13 and 14 present the separation percentage values of various modified samples post-conditioning.  
The viscosity results indicate minimal phase separation when Trinidad Lake Asphalt (TLA) was introduced as a modifying agent to the virgin binder. The values were almost identical across samples, and increasing the TLA percentage did not significantly enhance phase separation between the asphalt-rich phase and the TLA-rich phase. Additionally, increasing the temperature from 135 \({}^{\circ}\)C to 165 \({}^{\circ}\)C did not significantly affect phase separation. Notably, the binder modified with PG64-22 + 20%TLA exhibited the lowest phase separation value of 3% at both temperatures.  
Similarly, the G*/sin \(\delta\) study, which assessed the separation index at 64 \({}^{\circ}\)C, showed comparable results to the viscosity study. The phase separation values were consistent, with the binder modified with PG64-22 + 30%TLA demonstrating the lowest phase separation value of 2% among all combinations.  
\begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{c c c c c} \hline \hline  & \multicolumn{4}{c}{**Stiffness at \(-\)12 \({}^{\circ}\)C**} \\ \hline \multirow{2}{*}{**Combination**} & \multirow{2}{*}{**PG64-22**} & **PG64-22 + 10\%** & **PG64-22 + 20\%** & **PG64-22 + 30\%** \\  & & TLA & TLA & TLA \\ \hline PG64-22 & - & S & S & S \\ PG64-22 + 10\%TLA & - & - & S & S \\ PG64-22 + 20\%TLA & - & - & - & S \\ PG64-22 + 30\%TLA & - & - & - & - \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular}  
* S–Significant, N–Non-significant.  
\end{table}
Table 11: Statistical analysis results of the stiffness (RTFO + PAV) of TLA modified binders at \(-\)12 \({}^{\circ}\)C as a function of different combinations (\(\alpha\) = 0.05).  
\begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{c c c c c} \hline \hline  & \multicolumn{4}{c}{**m-Value at \(-\)12 \({}^{\circ}\)C**} \\ \hline \multirow{2}{*}{**Combination**} & \multirow{2}{*}{**PG64-22**} & **PG64-22 + 10\%** & **PG64-22 + 20\%** & **PG64-22 + 30\%** \\  & & **TLA** & **TLA** & **TLA** \\ \hline PG64-22 & - & S & S & S \\ PG64-22 + 10\%TLA & - & - & S & S \\ PG64-22 + 20\%TLA & - & - & - & S \\ PG64-22 + 30\%TLA & - & - & - & - \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular}  
* S–Significant, N–Non-significant.  
\end{table}
Table 12: Statistical analysis results of the m-value (RTFO + PAV) of TLA modified binders at \(-\)12 \({}^{\circ}\)C as a function of different combinations (\(\alpha\) = 0.05).  
These phase separation values have significant implications for pavement performance. Low phase separation indicates better homogeneity of the binder, which translates to more consistent performance and the enhanced durability of the pavement. The reduced phase separation in TLA-modified binders suggests improved compatibility between the virgin binder and TLA, contributing to better dispersion and stability of the modified binder. Consequently, this enhances the binder's ability to resist thermal and load-induced stresses, potentially extending the pavement's lifespan.  
The low phase separation values observed can be attributed to the chemical and physical properties of TLA, which promote better interaction and integration with the virgin binder. TLA's inherent compatibility with the asphalt matrix ensures uniform distribution, preventing a significant separation of phases. This uniformity is crucial for maintaining the binder's performance characteristics, ultimately leading to improved pavement resilience and longevity.