Combined Performance of Polyethylene Terephthalate Waste Plastic Polymer and Crumb Rubber in Modifying Properties of Hot Mix Asphalt

Abstract

Nowadays, the use of recycled waste materials in road pavement is regarded not only as a positive option in terms of sustainability but also as an appealing option in terms of providing improved service performance. The current study aimed at evaluating the performance of crumb rubber and polyethylene terephthalate plastic polymer in asphalt mixture in modifying the mechanical properties of asphalt pavement. Experimental tests were carried out both for asphalt binder and asphalt mixture. Different proportions of mix for crumb rubber and polyethylene terephthalate plastic polymer were used to systematically investigate the effect of mix ratio on performance of the asphalt material. The experimental analysis reveals that the combined application of 10% by weight of crumb rubber chips and 2% polyethylene terephthalate plastic polymer are the ideal mix ratios found effective in modifying properties of the asphalt mixture. The asphalt binder test results indicate that adding 10% crumb rubber to asphalt binder reduced penetration by 1.56% along with increment of the softening point by 4.33%. Furthermore, the indicated optimum mix amount resulted in 0.17% rise, 20.07% drop, and 20.71% increase in Marshal stability, flow, and stiffness, respectively. Besides, tensile strength of the asphalt mixture was enhanced with addition of the filler and binder materials. It was witnessed that the combined application of the additives performs better than their separate use in modifying properties of the asphalt mix.

Technical, Economic, and Environmental Sustainability Assessment of Reclaimed Asphalt and Waste Polyethylene Terephthalate Pavements

“…Although a mixing time of 1 h is generally suggested for modifying bitumen with plastics, this study employed a shorter mixing time of 30 min for preparing PMB. This is because multiple studies have concluded that the optimum mixing time for PET-modified bitumen is 30 min [54,55].…”

“…However, a higher percentage of air voids is undesirable as it creates passageways for water intrusion, thus increasing the moisture susceptibility of the asphalt mixture and facilitating the rapid deterioration of pavements. Multiple studies have concluded that the design air void level in a laboratory-compacted sample of HMA ought to be 4 percent for assessing the optimum moisture resistance of asphalt mixtures [55,57].…”

“…The incorporation of PET into the Type Z mix enhances the performance of the mix against fatigue failure by reinforcing the aggregate binder bonds through the bridging effect of the PET polymers [86]. The soft amorphous component of PET (liquid) improves the bonding between the asphalt binder and aggregates [55]. This enhanced adhesion secures the aggregates in place, resulting in a more cohesive mixture that is resistant to displacement under load, which causes fatigue failure.…”

“…This enhanced adhesion secures the aggregates in place, resulting in a more cohesive mixture that is resistant to displacement under load, which causes fatigue failure. Moreover, the solid and rigid crystalline part of PET helps distribute traffic loads evenly, reducing stress on individual points and thereby minimizing deformations [55]. Simultaneously, incorporating RAP into the mix adds well-graded, angular aggregates that enhance the interlocking and mechanical stability of the pavement [22].…”

Development of Sustainable Asphalt Pavement Mixture Using Recycled concrete aggregate, Crumb Rubber and Waste Engine Oil

“…Additionally, these recycled materials have the potential to enhance the performance of road surfaces, resulting in improved durability and cost-effectiveness. Overall, the utilization of recycled waste materials in road pavement is seen as a promising and environmentally friendly solution [5]. The utilization of CR derived from discarded tires to enhance the mechanical properties of bituminous mixtures has become highly significant in the field of road engineering.…”