Applications of unsaturated polyester resins in asphalt pavements

Unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) is a cross-linkable thermoset reinforcement material. It is widely used in different industries to improve the properties of base materials due to its dynamic polymer network and low-cost availability. This chapter will primarily focus on the applications of UPR in asphalt pavement materials. First, the synthesis, chemical, and physical properties of UPR will be described. Initially, UPR has been widely used with building materials, i.e., concrete to increase the mechanical properties; hence, the applications of UPR-modified concrete as a building material will also be summarized. The thriving use of UPR with concrete paved the way to use it with asphalt mixture. In recent years, the modification of asphalt using UPR for pavement construction has become popular due to the superior mechanical properties and low material cost compared to other asphalt mixtures. This chapter will illustrate the recent advancement of UPR in asphalt modification, its prospects, and the circular economy for sustainable and perpetual road pavement. Finally, the chapter will summarize the applications of UPR in asphalt pavements.