Technical Paper ISSN 1996-6814 Int. J. Pavement Res. Technol. 6(4):457-464
Copyright @ Chinese Society of Pavement Engineering
Incorporation of Waste Plastic in Asphalt Binders to Improve their
Performance in the Pavement
Liliana M.B. Costa1, Hugo M.R.D. Silva2+, Joel R.M. Oliveira2, and Sara R.M. Fernandes1
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Abstract: With the increase in road traffic more demands are placed on pavements, and thus the structural and functional performance of
road pavements needs to be improved. One method that can greatly improve the quality of the flexible pavements is the addition of
polymers to the bitumen or to the asphalt mixtures. Although the modification of bitumen with virgin polymers can improve the
properties of asphalt mixtures, the use of recycled plastic may also show a similar result with additional environmental advantages. This
work aims to evaluate the possible advantages of modifying the bitumen with different plastic wastes, namely polyethylene (high density
HDPE and low density LDPE), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), acrylonitrile butadiene-styrene (ABS) and crumb rubber, in order to
improve the properties of the resulting binders for use in high performance asphalt mixtures. The performance of modified binders with
recycled polymers was compared with that of the conventional bitumen and the one of a commercial modified binder (Styrelf). The
results of the laboratory tests (basic characterization, dynamic viscosity, resilience and storage stability) will be used in the selection of
the best plastic waste materials and production conditions that should be used in the modification of bitumen in order to optimize its
behaviour, emphasizing that this study aims to promote the reuse of plastic waste in a more environmental and economic way.
DOI:10.6135/ijprt.org.tw/2013.6(4).457
Key words: Asphalt binders, Bitumen performance, Modified bitumen, Production conditions, Recycled plastic.
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12
Introduction some cases, a better fatigue resistance has also been found
depending on the type of polymer used, which influences the
rheological properties of bitumen [7, 8].
Road traffic volume has been increasing worldwide, including in the
Regarding the use of plastic wastes for bitumen modification,
European countries, and in particular the traffic volume for
those mentioned in the literature are mainly the low density
transportation of goods, and it is expected that this demand
polyethylene (LDPE) [7], high density polyethylene (HDPE) [9],
continues to increase sharply over the next decade [1]. Thus, in
polypropylene (PP) [10], ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) [8, 11],
order to avoid the premature distress of the road network, the
acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) [10], polyethylene
performance of flexible pavements must be improved.
terephthalate (PET) [12] and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) [5].
One method that can greatly improve the quality of the
According to Garca-Morales [8] the modification of bitumen
pavements is the addition of polymers to the asphalt mixtures [2].
with recycled EVA had successful results. In that work,
Although the addition of virgin polymer complies with the purpose
concentrations ranging from 0 to 9% were studied, and the recycled
of improving the properties of the asphalt mixture, the use of
polymer increased the binder viscosity at high service temperatures,
recycled polymers may show a similar performance compared to
with consequent benefits on road performance, such as in resistance
virgin polymers [3], provided that a rigorous selection of the plastic
to rutting. However, the bitumen viscosity at the production and
wastes and production conditions are made [4]. There are two main
application temperatures demonstrated to be sufficiently low for its
methods of adding polymers to the asphalt mixtures, particularly by
adequate use in pavements even with concentrations as high as 9%.
modification of bitumen (wet process) and by addition of solid
According Fuentes-Audn [3], despite the recycled polyethylene
polymers to the asphalt mixtures (dry process). However, the
also promotes benefits on the resistance to rutting and, in addition,
modification of bitumen has been the process most widely applied
on cracking and thermal fatigue, its incorporation in the bitumen
for this purpose [5].
should not exceed 5% (otherwise the resulting viscosity would
In fact, according to previous studies [5, 6], the modification of
reduce the workability of the mixture). One of the conclusions of
bitumen with polymers or plastic wastes has resulted in asphalt
Casey et al. [10] was that the HDPE and the LDPE were the most
mixtures with improved performance, including an increased
promising recycled wastes that can be used for bitumen
resistance to rutting deformation, higher stiffness at high
modification, when compared with recycled PET, PVC, ABS and
temperatures and reduced susceptibility to temperature variation. In
MDPE. Better results were expected to be obtained with ABS, and
1
the authors pointed 4% as the ideal polymer (recycled HDPE and
Department of Civil Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de
Azurm, 4800-058 Guimarćes, Portugal.
LDPE) concentration. It has been found that some of these recycled
22
Territory, Environment and Construction Centre (C-TAC),
polymers improve the properties of the binder, but not all of them
University of Minho, Campus de Azurm, 4800-058 Guimarćes,
are suitable for bitumen modification at high temperatures. For
Portugal.
example, heating PVC at high temperatures can cause dangerous
+
Corresponding Author: E-mail hugo@civil.uminho.pt
Note: Submitted February 19, 2013; Revised May 30, 2013; chloride emissions to the atmosphere, and PET has a high potential
for its own reuse (i.e. high valorisation in other uses).
Accepted May 31, 2013.
Vol.6 No.4 Jul. 2013 International Journal of Pavement Research and Technology 457
Costa et al.
The current research of more sustainable materials and as reference for comparison with the new modified bitumens
technologies in road paving industry is pointing out towards the produced in this study with different waste plastic materials, the
increasing need to reduce the energy consumption and the emissions commercial modified bitumen named Styrelf was also evaluated in
[13, 14] and raise the use of recycled materials [14-16], without this study.
compromising the performance of asphalt mixtures. In this context, Based in information given by some Portuguese companies
this new study was motivated by the knowledge that there is a working in plastic recycling (in particular Gintegral, which provided
significant quantity of several plastic wastes in national recycling the recycled polymers for this study), it was possible to conclude
centres that are difficult to recycle, although the conclusions can be that the higher quantities of waste plastics that can be recycled for
extrapolated for an international level. bitumen modification are high and low-density polyethylene and
At this stage, the present study aims to assess the possible ABS, and thus they were selected for evaluation.
advantages of modifying bitumen with different waste plastics During the literature review it was found that SBS and EVA are
available in order to improve the properties of the resulting the polymers mostly used in the production of commercial polymer
modified binders for future application in asphalt mixtures. The modified bitumen (PMB) [10]. Thus, this study also evaluated the
study includes an exhaustive evaluation of the basic properties, modification of bitumen with these polymers in their virgin state.
dynamic viscosity at elevated temperatures and resilience of The EVA polymer was also obtained and used as a recycled material,
bitumens modified with different polymers. Moreover, the influence thus being possible to compare the differences in the performance of
of the dimensions of the polymers was also evaluated. Finally, the binders modified with this polymer in two different stages (virgin vs.
storage stability of all the modified binders was determined. This recycled). This aspect is important because the recycled polymers
property is critical to obtain a new product that could be used usually are mixed with other components (fillers, dyes, among
without the constraints associated with the need of modifying the other), which can change the efficiency of the polymer in the
bitumen in the asphalt plant. modification of the bitumen. So, for this particular EVA polymer, it
is possible to check if there is a significant reduction of the
Materials and Methods performance of the modified bitumen when using recycled EVA
instead of virgin EVA.
Finally, crumb rubber recycled from used tires was also used in
Materials Used and Selection of the Polymers for the
this study, as being one of the recycled materials most commonly
Study
used in the modification of bitumens.
Fig. 1 summarizes schematically the polymers used in this study.
The base bitumen used in all the study was a 35/50 penetration
In fact, bitumen was modified with virgin EVA and SBS, as well as
grade bitumen with a penetration value of 4610-1 mm and a
with recycled LDPE, HDPE, ABS, EVA and tire rubber.
softening point of 52 C. In the future, effect of using softer
The various polymers, virgin or recycled, are generally provided
bitumens in the production of modified bitumens will be evaluated,
in a granular form with a maximum dimension of approximately
namely because the grade of the original bitumen affects the
4.00 mm. After observing some difficulty in the digestion of some
mechanical properties of the modified bitumen at low temperatures,
polymers in this granular dimension, such as SBS (Fig. 2) and ABS
while the used modifiers does not have statistically significant effect
(Fig. 3), it was necessary define an alternative solution to ensure a
on stiffness at low temperature [17].
more effective modification of bitumen by polymers.
Moreover, in order to have a commercial modified bitumen to use
Fig. 1. Recycled and Virgin Polymers (Powder or Granules) Used in this Study.
Fig. 2. Heterogeneous Aspect of the Bitumen Modified with SBS Fig. 3. Granular Particles of ABS That were not Digested Into the
Granules (Poor Digestion in Bitumen). Bitumen (Recovered after Filtering the Modified Binder).
458 International Journal of Pavement Research and Technology Vol.6 No.4 Jul. 2013
Costa et al.
Thus, in a second phase of study the various polymers used in this
work were converted into powder with a size below 0.45 mm. This
process was carried out in a milling machine of the Department of
Polymer Engineering of the University of Minho, after freezing the
polymers with liquid nitrogen to ensure that the polymers did not
glue with each other due the heating that occurs in the milling
process, which allowed obtaining particles below the specified size.
The several polymers used in this study are shown in Fig. 4,
namely the new or recycled ones (those with index R), and both
dimensions in which they are mixed with bitumen (powder left
side; granulate right side).
In the future, this study will continue evaluating alternative
possibilities, other than the size reduction of polymers, for their
proper digestion in the bitumen, such as using high shear mixing
[18], increased temperatures and digestion times and the use of
compatibility additives.
Initial Description of the Methods Used in the Study
The initial process of evaluation involved the incorporation of virgin
and recycled polymers, in their initial dimensions, in the base
bitumen. The objective of this study was to determine whether the
dimensions of the supplied waste plastic are the most appropriate
for the blending process of bitumen modification, thus eliminating
costs of additional processing of the waste polymers or the need of
better high shear mixers, among other.
In order to compare the modified bitumens produced with the
several polymers, they were all produced using the same conditions:
5.0% of polymer per weight of bitumen and a digestion
temperature/time of 180 C for 60 minutes in a RW20 IKA mixer
(stirring speed of 350 rpm), defined in order to assure a
homogeneous blending of the bitumen with most of the recycled
polymers.
The crumb rubber, the ABS and the SBS are not completely
digested in the bitumen in their initial dimensions, resulting in a
non-homogenous binder after the production period (Fig. 2). At this
stage, these modified binders were filtered (Fig. 3) in order to
evaluate the potential changes caused by the fraction of these
polymers that has effectively melted and modified the bitumen.
The next phase of the work was the evaluation of the
effectiveness of the size reduction of the polymers in order to more
easily achieve their digestion, thus improving the bitumen
modification. Thus, modified binders were produced with the same
polymers, under the same conditions, but now using the polymers in
powder (sizes lower than 0.45 mm). This procedure increases the
costs of the process, but they can be justified if more homogeneous
and stable binders are obtained.
Then, the characterization of the several modified bitumens was
carried out in order to evaluate which polymers are the best
candidates to be used in bitumen modification, particularly those
obtained from waste plastic materials. The properties of the
modified binders were also used to evaluate the advantages of
Fig. 4. Different Polymers (Powder and Granules) Used in the Study
reducing the size of the polymers (from granules to powder) before
their use in bitumen modification.
characterization was carried out according to EN 12591. This
The performance of the modified bitumens was measured based
characterization included the evaluation of the softening point of the
on several characterization tests. Initially, and in order to classify
bitumens (also known as ring and ball temperature, or R&B),
the bitumens used and produced in this study, their basic
Vol.6 No.4 Jul. 2013 International Journal of Pavement Research and Technology 459
Costa et al.
according to EN 1427, and penetration tests at 25C, carried out Dynamic Viscosity of Bitumen at High Temperatures
according to EN 1426 standard. Other tests are also suggested in the
European Specification EN 14023 in order to classify polymer In order to evaluate the properties of the several binders, especially
modified binders. Thus, and mainly for binders modified with when they are subjected to high temperatures at which asphalt
elastomers, resilience tests were performed to evaluate the ability of mixtures are produced and applied, its dynamic viscosity was
the modified bitumen to present some elastic recovery of determined using a rotational viscometer (European EN 13 302
deformation after application of a specified load. Then, the dynamic standard). The dynamic viscosity was determined at different
viscosity of the binders at higher production and compaction temperatures (130, 150 and 180C), according to a predefined
temperatures was also evaluated, mostly because some modified procedure [19].
bitumens are very viscous in this range of temperatures and require
a careful validation of the mixing conditions. Finally, the storage Storage Stability of Modified Binders
stability of the modified bitumens was evaluated, which is one of
the most important characteristics to observe in order to create a In order to avoid the need of an expensive binder modification unit
new competitive product that can be used without the drawbacks near the asphalt plant it is fundamental that the modified binder has
related to the need of a binder modification unit near the asphalt satisfactory storage stability. The storage stability test was carried
plant. out according to EN 13399 standard. The modified binder is stable
to storage when the differences between the properties of the top
Softening Point of Bitumen and base samples are low, and else it can be considered that a phase
separation (polymers and bitumen) has occurred in the modified
The softening point test was performed according the EN 1427 binder. Two types of phase separation were observed in the binders
standard, and it measures the temperature at which bitumen starts to without good storage stability: sometimes the polymers tend to stay
flow and has a direct influence on the resistance to permanent at the top of the tube due to their low density, lower than that of
deformation of the mixtures, i.e. indicates the maximum expected bitumen; in other cases the polymers tend to deposit on the base of
temperature that the asphalt mixture (with this bitumen) can support the tube for the opposite motive.
on the road without having propensity to quickly increase the rutting
deformation. Thus, the softening point of the modified bitumen can Analysis and Discussion of Tests Results Performed
be used to analyse improvements in the performance at high in
for Bitumen Characterization
service temperatures, after adding the polymer wastes to the base
bitumen.
Table 1 summarizes the results of all the characterization tests
carried out on the modified binders with different polymers,
Penetration Value of Bitumen
regarding to their basic properties (softening point and penetration
value), the resilience and the dynamic viscosity at different
The penetration value of a bitumen, assessed according the EN 1426
temperatures (130, 150, and 180C). The properties of the base
standard, is a measure of its consistency or stiffness at the reference
bitumen used to prepare all modified binders, and those of a
in service temperature of 25C and is the most common test for the
commercial modified bitumen (Styrelf), used as reference, are also
characterization of asphalt binders in European countries. Thus, the
presented in Table 1 in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the
classification of bitumens in Europe is usually made based on the
various polymers used in this study (in comparison with those
value of the penetration assessed in this test. This property is mainly
known binders). In order to ease the analysis of the results, they are
related to the stiffness of asphalt materials at a mean service
organized in graphics (Figs. 5 to 8).
temperature, and it can be indirectly inferred that stiffer asphalt
materials will probably have a lower fatigue resistance performance.
Softening Point
Resilience (Penetration and Recovery) of Modified
Fig. 5 shows that all polymers increased the softening point of the
Binders
base bitumen. The elastomers (especially the SBS powder and EVA,
both virgin and recycled, granular or in powder) seem to be the most
The characterization of the modified binders in this study also
effective polymers for increasing the binder softening point.
included resilience tests (penetration and elastic recovery) at a
Furthermore, it was found that the EVA has excellent digestion in
temperature of 25C, according to European EN 13880-3 standard.
the bitumen, which allowed obtaining similar properties
Resilience is the capacity of material to absorb energy elastically.
independently of the means used before it was introduced in the
On removal of the load, the energy stored is released as in a spring.
bitumen. On the other hand, SBS presented a difficult digestion in
As fatigue failure can be characterized by a quick increase in the
the bitumen and, therefore, SBS had to be filtered when it was
dissipated energy of the material, modified binders with higher
introduced in a granular form (thus reducing its effectiveness).
resilience will have higher fatigue resistance, especially due to the
As would be expected, for each group of binders modified with a
ability of the elastomers to continue absorbing energy after a high
specific polymer, when the polymer was used in its granular form
number of loads applied in the pavement.
and subsequently filtered, the resulting modified binder presented
minor changes in terms of softening point compared with those
binders modified with polymer powder. However, the polyethylene
460 International Journal of Pavement Research and Technology Vol.6 No.4 Jul. 2013
Costa et al.
Table 1. Results from Standard Tests, Resilience and Viscosity of the Binders in Study.
Viscosity [Pa.s]
Binder Description A&B [C] Penetration [dmm] Resilience [%]
130C 150C 180C
Base Bitumen 52.2 45.9 9 0.8 0.3 0.1
Styrelf 65.5 37.2 21 3.1 1.1 0.3
EVA NEW Powder 66.4 26.4 30 3.8 1.3 0.4
EVA NEW Granulated 66.8 26.1 30 3.8 1.3 0.4
EVA R Granulated 65.2 26.0 23 3.8 1.3 0.4
SBS NEW Powder 82.1 28.1 36 5.4 1.4 0.8
SBS NEW Granulated (Filtrated) 59.2 31.5 17 2.0 0.8 0.2
HDPE R Powder 61.9 25.0 4 3.1 1.1 0.4
HDPE R Granulated 71.1 26.6 11 3.3 1.3 0.4
LDPER Powder 55.9 30.6 4 3.5 1.5 0.5
LDPER Granulated 59.5 30.7 12 2.9 1.1 0.4
ABS R Powder 61.8 37.4 6 1.1 0.4 0.1
ABS R Granulated (Filtrated) 52.3 39.6 8 0.9 0.3 0.1
Tire Rubber R Powder 57.2 30.5 19 1.4 0.5 0.1
Tire Rubber R Granulated (Filtrated) 55.1 32.1 13 1.0 0.4 0.1
90
use as a waste material that easily melts in the bitumen.
Generally, the binders modified with the same type of polymer,
80
50
70
45
60
40
50
35
40
30
25
20
Fig. 5. Softening Point Values of the Binders Evaluated in this
Study.
Fig. 6 . Penetration Values of the Binders Evaluated in this Study
(HDPE, LDPE) polymers were able to be melted in the bitumen Resilience.
even when they were used in their granular form, and surprisingly
the softening point obtained in this case is higher than that of the but introducing the polymer granulate or in powder form, showed
equivalent binder modified with polymer powder. Hypothetically, similar penetration values. However, there is a slight difference in
when melting PE polymers with higher grain sizes, it can be more the case of the filtered binders (presenting higher penetration values)
easily formed a polymer matrix on the surface of the sample that that, nonetheless, is not significant.
increases the softening point. Finally, taking the polymers in powder The bitumen modified with ABS powder showed the highest
as reference (because the binders prepared with granules sometimes penetration values, demonstrating a low efficiency of this recycled
were filtered), it was observed that between all the polymers studied polymer to change this property of the bitumen, followed by LDPE
the less effective in reducing permanent deformation were LDPE and crumb rubber from used tires. It is also confirmed that low or
and crumb rubber from used tires. high density polyethylene polymers modify the bitumen in a
different way. Finally, it was observed that the commercial Styrelf
Penetration bitumen has a penetration value higher than all the modified
bitumens produced in this work, probably because the percentage of
Regarding the effect of the different polymers on the penetration polymer used in this study (5%) is very high, or due to the use of a
value of the base bitumen, it can be seen (in Table 1 and in Fig. 6) high penetration grade bitumen as base bitumen, or else due to the
that in all cases the polymers have reduced the penetration value of use of stabilizers or other types of additives in Styrelf that limit the
the base bitumen. The polymers that are the most effective in reduction of penetration.
reducing the penetration value are the indicated above when Concerning the results of the resilience test (Table 1 and Fig. 7),
analysing the softening point, i.e., the HDPE and the elastomers which are related to the percentage of elastic recovery after
(SBS powder and EVA). Again, the modification of binder with penetration of the binders, the polymers that showed the best results
virgin or recycled EVA (granulate or in powder) resulted in similar were, as expected, the elastomers: SBS powder, followed by EVA
characteristics in terms of penetration, which potentiate their future and crumb rubber from used tyres. All these modified bitumens
Vol.6 No.4 Jul. 2013 International Journal of Pavement Research and Technology 461
Softening Point [C]
Penetration [dmm]
Costa et al.
10
40
Viscosity at 130C [Pa.s]
35
Viscosity at 150C [Pa.s]
30
Viscosity at 180C [Pa.s]
25
20
1
15
10
5
0
0,1
Fig. 8. Dynamic Viscosity of the Binders Evaluated in this Study.
Fig. 7. Resilience of the Binders Evaluated in this Study.
production of mixtures at temperatures lower than 180 C, although
showed resilience values similar to or greater than the commercial
these materials have not shown to be the most effective in the
bitumen Styrelf, probably due to the higher percentage of polymer
modification of the binder, as least based on the properties already
used (5%).
evaluated. In the other hand, the binder modified with SBS is the
As expected, the filtered binders showed lower values of elastic
one with the highest viscosity, resulting in the need of using higher
recovery than those of their corresponding binders modified with
mixing temperatures during the production of asphalt mixtures.
polymer powder. The bitumens modified with polyethylene (HDPE
It can also be seen (Fig. 8) that the Styrelf has a viscosity similar
and LDPE) and ABS, as well as the base bitumen, presented very
to several other modified binders. The viscosity of the elastomers is
low values of resilience as a consequence of their reduced capacity
slightly higher, followed by the polyethylene group and finally, the
to recover elastically the initial deformation to which they have
lowest viscosities are observed for the crumb rubber, the ABS and
been subjected. Moreover, that small recovery only occurred due to
the base bitumen.
the viscoelastic behaviour of the bitumen.
Storage Stability
Dynamic Viscosity
The behaviour of the modified bitumens in relation to their storage
The relationship between dynamic viscosity and temperature of the
stability is a property of great importance to their commercialization
binder is very important to identify the range of temperatures for
and future approval by the asphalt producers, as well as the
mixing/compaction of asphalt mixtures. The viscosity usually
economic evaluation. Thus, the effects of the storage were evaluated
recommended for mixing is about 0.2-0.3 Pa.s and, as a
in this work through the absolute difference between the properties
consequence, the typical polymer modified binders are usually
of the base and top samples of a tube where the modified bitumen
mixed at temperatures between 170 and 190 C. Using the data
was stored for several hours at elevated temperatures (according to a
presented in Table 1, it can be concluded that almost all modified
standard procedure). The properties evaluated were the softening
bitumens produced, excluding the ABS and crumb rubber, must use
point, penetration, resilience and dynamic viscosity (Table 2 and Fig.
temperatures for production of asphalt mixtures equal or higher than
9).
180 C. The use of ABS or crumb rubber from used tires allows the
Table 2. Storage Stability of the Modified Bitumens
A&B (C) Penetration (dmm) Resilience (%) Viscosity a 150C (Pa.s)
Binder Description
Top Base Top Base Top Base Top Base
Styrelf 64.3 64.9 38.7 37.5 22 23 1.5 1.1
EVA NEW Powder 64.6 68.0 75.5 16.2 53 19 1.6 1.0
EVA NEW Granulated 64.3 69.0 79.8 15.6 52 31 2.0 1.3
EVA R Granulated 62.4 68.9 63.9 11.8 65 44 1.6 1.4
SBS NEW Powder 124.0 61.2 51.7 22.5 67 13 14.4 0.6
SBS NEW Granulated (Filtrated) 63.9 58.8 31.1 25.9 25 19 1.3 0.5
HDPE R Powder 128.1 62.2 18.2 20.7 33 11 5.3 0.6
HDPE R Granulated 127.2 62.7 17.5 19.0 33 8 5.4 0.8
LDPER Powder 117.1 64.4 25.3 19.7 22 9 5.3 0.6
LDPER Granulated 119.8 61.7 17.8 17.2 42 20 5.1 0.6
ABS R Powder 53.9 59.0 41.8 33.0 8 6 0.4 0.7
ABS R Granulated (Filtrated) 53.4 53.6 35.3 34.6 7 0 0.3 0.4
Tires Rubber R Powder 56.1 61.5 34.9 36.9 14 23 0.5 1.7
Tires Rubber R Granulated (Filtr.) 55.2 55.3 29.9 30.2 9 10 0.4 0.4
462 International Journal of Pavement Research and Technology Vol.6 No.4 Jul. 2013
Resilience [%]
Viscosity [Pa.s]
Costa et al.
90
140
Top
Top
80
120
Base
Base 70
100
60
Variation
Variation
80 50
40
60
30
40
20
20
10
0
0
80
Top
Top
70
10
Base Base
60
Variation Variation
50
40
1
30
20
10
0,1
0
Fig. 9. Storage Stability of the Modified Bitumens.
The Portuguese specifications have limits for modified binders in modified binders.
terms of the difference in the R&B temperature and penetration Thus, the first alternative to continue this study will consist in
value of the base and top samples. These limits must be fulfilled solving the problem of storage stability of SBS, EVA and
before any of these modified binders can be commercialized. polyethylene polymers, due to their good performance and bitumen
It can be seen that levels of dissociation were evident for EVA, modifiers. The second alternative solution will be the application of
SBS and polyethylene (LDPE and HDPE) polymers, because the ABS or crumb rubber polymers, which have a worse performance as
differences between the properties of the samples obtained in the bitumen modifiers but appear to have good storage stability (in this
base and in the top of the storage tubes were significant. This is case the crumb rubber would be the better choice).
even more evident when the commercial modified bitumen Styrelf
showed excellent results in terms of storage stability, being a Conclusions
reference in relation to this property that was not achieved by any of
the polymers studied (at least those with more promising properties
The suitability of using different types of polymers (granulated and
observed previously). This means that it is fundamental to continue
in powder) in the bitumen modification was evaluated in this study,
this study in with plastic wastes in the future using different
in particular to assess the potential using recycled polymers in
conditions for production of the modified binders, namely by using
asphalt mixtures for their valorisation. The studied polymers were
higher shear mixers, lower percentages of polymer and/or
EVA (virgin and recycled), SBS (virgin), HDPE (recycled), LDPE
compatibility additives, such as polyphosphoric acid (PPA).
(recycled), ABS (recycled) and crumb rubber from used tires
There are also some differences in the way that the different
(recycled). The characterization of the different bitumens modified
polymers demonstrated their low storage stability. The main
with 5% of each one of the studied polymers demonstrated that it is
differences between the properties of the base and top samples of
possible to obtain similar properties, or even better, than those of a
binders produced with HDPE and LDPE polymers were observed in
commercial modified bitumen. In fact, it was observed that:
the softening temperature and in the viscosity at high temperatures
ź SBS, HDPE and EVA are the most promising polymers to
(because these properties are more influenced by these polymers).
increase the softening point of the modified binder;
On the other hand, the EVA polymer presented higher differences in
ź HDPE and EVA are the polymers with higher influence in the
the results of penetration and resilience. Finally, the SBS polymer
penetration test results;
presented poor storage stability for all the evaluated properties,
ź SBS, EVA and crumb rubber (elastomers) presented the best
since it was generally the polymer with higher influence in the
performance in relation to resilience (elastic recovery after
modification of the base bitumen.
penetration);
The binders that presented higher storage stability were those
ź All modified bitumens, excluding those with ABS and crumb
modified with ABS powder and with rubber from used tires in
rubber, only reach the proper viscosity to produce asphalt
powder. However, these polymers were the ones that have caused
mixtures near or above 180 C, including the commercial
fewer changes in the performance of the base bitumen, which can
bitumen;
justify the minor differences found in the storage stability of these
ź HDPE, LDPE and EVA have a good digestion in the bitumen,
Vol.6 No.4 Jul. 2013 International Journal of Pavement Research and Technology 463
Penetration [dmm]
Softening Point [C]
Resilience [%]
Viscosity [Pa.s]
Costa et al.
whereas SBS, ABS and rubber are difficult to be melted in the (2006). Effect of waste polymer addition on the rheology of
bitumen (they should be milled to optimize their effectiveness). modified bitumen, Fuel, 85(7-8), pp. 936-943.
The lower capacity of ABS and rubber to modify the bitumen 8. Garc1a-Morales, M., Partal, P., Navarro, F.J., Mart1nez-Boza,
(when using the same percentage of polymer) may justify the fact F., Gallegos, C., Gonzlez, N., Gonzlez, O., and Muńoz, M.E.
that they have presented a better performance concerning their (2004). Viscous properties and microstructure of recycled eva
storage stability, whereas the other polymers (EVA, SBS, HDPE and modified bitumen, Fuel, 83(1), pp. 31-38.
LDPE) had poor storage stability. 9. H1n1sl1o lu, E., and A ar, E. (2004). Use of waste high density
As a conclusion, it is considered that firstly the use the recycled polyethylene as bitumen modifier in asphalt concrete mix,
polymers with improved properties (SBS, EVA, or alternatively Materials Letters, 58(3-4), pp. 267-271.
HDPE) should be sought, namely by solving the problems of 10. Casey, D., McNally, C., Gibney, A., and Gilchrist, M.D.
storage stability of these polymers. An alternative solution is the use (2008). Development of a recycled polymer modified binder
of crumb rubber or ABS that appear to have good storage stability for use in stone mastic asphalt, Resources Conservation and
(in this case, crumb rubber the better choice). Recycling, 52(10), pp. 1167-1174.
11. Isacsson, U. and Lu, X. (1999). Characterization of bitumens
Acknowledgements modified with SEBS, EVA and EBA polymers, Journal of
Materials Science, 34, pp. 3737-3745.
12. Ahmadinia, E., Zargar, M., Karim, M.R., Abdelaziz, M., and
The authors would like to acknowledge the financial and material
Ahmadinia, E. (2012). Performance evaluation of utilization of
support given some institutions. In fact, this work is funded by
waste Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) in stone mastic
FEDER funds through the Operational Competitiveness
asphalt, Construction and Building Materials, 36, pp. 984-989.
Programme COMPETE and by National funds by FCT
13. Oliveira, J.R.M., Silva, H.M.R.D., Abreu, L.P.F., Fernandes,
Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology in the scope of
S.R.M. (2013). Use of a warm mix asphalt additive to improve
Project PTDC/ECM/119179/2010 and the Strategic Project - UI
the production conditions and performance of asphalt rubber
4047 2011 2012. Thanks are also due to the Companies Gintegral
mixtures, Journal of Cleaner Production, 41, pp. 15-22.
(for the supply of recycled polymers) and CEPSA (for the supply of
14. Oliveira, J.R.M., Silva, H.M.R.D., Abreu, L.P.F., and
base and modified bitumen).
Gonzalez-Leon, J.A. (2012). The role of a surfactant based
additive on the production of recycled Warm Mix Asphalts -
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464 International Journal of Pavement Research and Technology Vol.6 No.4 Jul. 2013
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