An atomistic model of aged asphalt guided by the oxidation chemistry of benzylic carbon with application to asphalt rejuvenated with a triglyceride

•Develop a new aged asphalt model, which is based on oxidation chemistry and functional group compositions.•Reveal the preferential interaction between waste cooking oil and asphaltene molecules of the aged asphalt.•Demonstrate the mechanism and the effectiveness of utilizing waste cooking oil to rejuvenate aged asphalt.