Investigating the engineering properties of asphalt binder modified with waste plastic polymer

Current interest in reusing waste polymer shows substantial benefits of using it as a sustainable polymer in improving asphalt properties, attaining environmental stability and promoting industrial-economic benefits. Waste plastics have a vital role in the current asphalt applications. Trial sections of roads made with waste plastic modified asphalt, during 2019 in Australia, highlighted the significant importance of laboratory assessments yet to be conducted. As such, this study is aimed to investigate the impact of using local waste Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) plastic in binder class C320, which is a common bitumen type used for local road surfacing in Australia. The evaluation of various contents of PET modified bitumen is carried out through two stages for unaged and aged conditions. Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR), Rolling Thin Film Oven (RTFOT) and Pressure Aging Vessel (PAV) tests were utilised to investigate the rutting, fatigue and aging of bitumen binder. The results showed that the ideal content of waste plastic is 6-8% to improve the rutting and aging resistances. Moreover, 8% PET improves the fatigue cracking resistance as it shows a low fatigue factor (G* sin delta). Hence, application of locally-attained plastic in pavements not only reduces the costs but also improve sustainability of environment and natural resources. Further rutting and fatigue tests on asphalt samples are recommended to better understand the mechanical properties of PET plastic on asphalt mixtures with 6-8% PET plastic. In the event that the outcomes demonstrate an enhancement in the properties of the concrete paving mixture, usage of such a material would be extremely compensating in Australia. Also, this would help decrease the amount of waste scrap plastic, in turn, sustaining the environment. (C) 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Faculty of Engineering, Ain Shams University.

Automated summary

The current interest in reusing waste polymer highlights the substantial benefits of using it for improving asphalt properties, achieving environmental stability, and promoting industrial-economic benefits. Research indicates that incorporating 6-8% waste PET plastic improves rutting and aging resistances in asphalt, while 8% PET enhances fatigue cracking resistance.