Abstract
Asphalt aging is a critical factor affecting the long-term performance and durability of pavement structures, as it induces complex chemical, rheological, and microstructural transformations in asphalt binders and mixtures. Environmental and mechanical stressors, including temperature, oxygen exposure, ultraviolet radiation, moisture ingress, and traffic loading, accelerate oxidation processes, leading to binder stiffening, embrittlement, and reduced resistance to cracking and moisture damage. In response to increasing environmental concerns and resource limitations, sustainable materials such as reclaimed asphalt pavement, bio-based binders, recycled polymers, and industrial by-products have been increasingly incorporated into asphalt mixtures; however, their influence on aging mechanisms and long-term durability remains insufficiently understood. This study presents a comprehensive literature-based review of asphalt aging mechanisms, sustainable material modification strategies, and durability prediction approaches. A structured multi-stage review methodology was applied to classify and evaluate modification technologies based on performance effectiveness, environmental sustainability, economic feasibility, and applicability under diverse climatic and operational conditions. The review synthesizes experimental and modelling findings on chemical aging processes, microstructural evolution, aggregate – binder interactions, and multiphysics ageing simulations. An integrated conceptual framework linking environmental exposure conditions, material aging mechanisms, microstructural parameters, and rheological performance indicators is proposed to support durability-based and sustainable pavement design. Key research gaps and future research directions are identified, including the need for advanced aging simulation protocols, multiscale characterization approaches, and long-term field validation of sustainable modifiers. The findings of this review provide a scientific basis for developing resilient and environmentally sustainable pavement infrastructure.