ABSTRACT
This study evaluates the potential applications of designated variant ionic polymeric pavement subgrade binders. The polymer binders such as anionic and cationic variants were synthesized and confirmed by physico-chemical characterization techniques. These binders were then applied to two types of soils. The effectiveness of stabilization was evaluated based on the data from standard mechanical tests such as compressive strengths and toughness. In general, the results revealed that application of an ionic moduli binder can improve properties of the subgrade. The strengthening of the soil was attributed to charge neutralization and hydrogen bonding while better dispersions of binders resulted in enhanced toughness and strength. Scanning electron microscopy also confirmed the soil and polymer networks.
