Preparation of temperature-sensitive slow-release snowmelt agent by UV-irradiation grafting method

To achieve temperature-control or intelligent-release objectives, a slow-release salt-storage snowmelt agent (TSSA) microcapsule was prepared by UV-irradiation grafting method. Combined with swelling and contraction properties of a temperature-sensitive hydrogel, the TSSA exhibited a temperature sensitive slow-release function, excellent permeability and release difference at about 25°C. Conductivity test of its asphalt concrete sample mixed with TSSA (named AC-TSSA) showed that, by adding 4 wt% TSSA equal volume replacement of mineral powders, the conductivity of the soaking solution of AC-TSSA decreased by 56.1% after soaking for 10 days. After 10 days soaking of AC-TSSA, the increase rate of conductivity was stabled at 0.09 mS·cm−1·h−1. The high temperature stability and water stability of AC-TSSA with 5 wt% TSSA equal volume replacement of mineral powders showed that the dynamic stability and residual strength ratio increased by 1.3% and 1.1%, respectively. Accordingly, the utilization rate of snowmelt agent is expected to be significantly improved.