Improve Modified Bitumen with CR and PE Waste Additives
When compared with the characteristics of bitumen, experiments such as softening point, penetration, dynamic shear rheometer (DSR), multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR), and bending-beam rheometer (BBR) were carried out. The inclusion of CR lowered the bitumen creep stiffness at low temperature, which in turn reduced the danger of brittleness and cracking, according to an analysis of the physical and rheological performance of modified bitumen binders. At the same time, the inclusion of PE resulted in an increase in the bitumen’s stiffness when it was heated and improve modified bitumen. Two continuous twisted phases were generated in the modified bitumen, which, according to the morphology study, suggested increased rheological property and high-temperature performance. The characteristics of the bitumen were collectively enhanced with the addition of CR and PE, and this effect was seen at both high and low temperatures. Because of this, the exploitation of these two waste products not only increased the performance of the pavement when combined with the modified bitumen, but it also reduced the amount of garbage that was thrown away in landfills.
1- The characteristics of the bitumen were enhanced by integrated modification utilizing CR and PE. This improvement was seen at both high and low temperatures.
2- The rheological characteristics of the integrated modified bitumen and those of the SBS modified bitumen were found to be equivalent.
3- The economically beneficial effects of integrated modified bitumen are much more than those of SBS modified bitumen.
4- An examination of the economic benefits:
The ideal proportions of CR and PE in relation to base bitumen are 15 percent and seven percent, respectively. In this section, the economic advantage of the integrated modified bitumen was studied and contrasted with the modified bitumen used as a benchmark in the previous section. Because the PE was mixed into the hot aggregate in real time during the on-site manufacturing, the only modified bitumen that has to be prepared is CR modified bitumen.
The consultation that was conducted in China revealed that the cost of the SBS modified bitumen that was used in this investigation is $650 per ton. Table 5 presents the costs of integrated modification’s operations in addition to the costs of the associated materials and their respective pricing. According to the information that is provided in this table, the total cost to generate one ton of integrated modified bitumen by using CR and PE was determined to be $ 551.2. This amount is about $100 less than the cost to produce modified bitumen using SBS. In light of this, it should come as no surprise that the integrated modified bitumen offers a significant cost advantage over the commercial SBS modified bitumen.
In general, polymers can provide different features to improve modified bitumen, and we will list a few of them here:
1. Increasing bitumen’s soft point, which stops asphalt from rutting in the summer and heat.
2. Reducing the bitumen penetration level that prevents rainwater from penetrating the asphalt infrastructure.
3- Making bitumen more elastic or reversible, which, most crucially, lessens cracks brought on by the cold during the winter, increases the bitumen’s resistance to long-term deformations.
However, studies and findings have revealed that using polyethylene renders bitumen more brittle at low temperatures. This should be taken into account because utilizing polyethylene polymer in cold climates not only does not improve modified bitumen, but significantly degrades its qualities.
Although modified bitumen has many advantageous qualities, its price is higher than that of bitumen 60/70, and in many low-importance situations, it is not cost-effective, thus employers prefer to use less expensive bitumen.
Innovative Methods to Improve Bitumen with Recycled Materials (Insights Added August 2024) New
Recent advancements in the field of bitumen modification have introduced new and effective ways to enhance its performance using recycled materials. These approaches not only improve the durability and rheological properties of bitumen but also contribute to environmental sustainability by repurposing waste products. Here are some key innovations:
- Enhancing Bitumen with Recycled Polyethylene Plastics: The integration of recycled low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) into bitumen has shown significant improvements in thermal stability and deformation resistance. These materials increase the softening point of bitumen and decrease penetration, making it more resilient to high temperatures. However, care must be taken with the concentration levels to ensure optimal workability.
- Benefits of Polypropylene and Polystyrene in Bitumen: Recycled polypropylene (PP) and polystyrene (PS) have been effectively used to modify bitumen, especially when combined with elastomers like styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS). This combination results in improved mechanical properties, such as increased elasticity and reduced thermal sensitivity, which is crucial for maintaining pavement integrity under varying environmental conditions.
- Waste Nylon as a Sustainable Bitumen Modifier: The use of waste transparent nylon (WTN) as a bitumen modifier has proven to be an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution. WTN enhances the bitumen’s resistance to rutting and thermal cracking by increasing its softening point and viscosity, though attention must be paid to storage stability during its application.
- Advancements in Polyolefin-based Roofing Bitumen: Recycled polyolefins, when used in bitumen for roofing applications, have been shown to improve thermo-mechanical properties. These materials, which vary in crystallinity, contribute to better mixing behavior and more uniform polymer distribution, leading to longer-lasting roofing materials.
- Hybrid Modifications with Recycled Tyre Rubber: Recycled crumb rubber (CR) from waste tyres, when combined with polymers like EVA and SBS, offers a sustainable solution for bitumen modification. This hybrid approach improves the bitumen’s viscosity and high-temperature performance, while also helping to mitigate the environmental impact of tyre waste.
By incorporating these innovative techniques, the performance of bitumen can be significantly enhanced, leading to more durable and sustainable road surfaces. These advancements also offer a practical approach to reducing environmental waste through the recycling of plastics and other materials into essential infrastructure projects.
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From diverse scientific sources, compiled by the research team of PetroNaft Co.