Mixed Design Optimization of Polymer-Modified Asphalt Mixtures (PMAs) Containing Carton Plastic Packaging Wastes

Abstract

This study investigated the potential of reusing plastics derived from multilayered food carton recycling processes as a modifier for asphalt mixtures by dry process. Two types of plastics, one untreated and one pelletized, were added to a mixture containing neat asphalt binder using three different dry methods and in two different amounts (2 and 5% by weight of aggregates). The chemical and physical properties of the plastics were explored via differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and laser diffraction granulometry. The fracture behavior of the polymer-modified asphalt (PMA) mixtures was evaluated via superpave indirect tensile (IDT) testing at 10 °C and comparative analysis with the reference and a mixture composed of the same aggregate curve and a traditional styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS)-modified asphalt binder. The role of the plastic during crack initiation and propagation was investigated via microscopic analysis. The results show that plastics derived from carton recycling processes can be successfully used as an additive in asphalt mixtures via the dry method due to the compatibility between their melting and mixing temperatures. The shape of the plastics influences the cracking propagation and resistance of the mixture. Finally, the presence of plastics in the mixture reduces the proneness to accumulate deformation (about 50% less than the reference ones) and increases the failure resistance, leading to a better cracking response at intermediate temperatures.

Thermal Characteristics and Temperature Distribution of Asphalt Mixtures Containing Residues from Municipal Solid Waste Incineration

“…The boundary condition parameters, contact form, and geometric assembly were like those in the experimental set: (1) The sample model was isotropic and homogeneous in terms of measured density (with a Young's modulus equal to 6000 MPa and a Poisson's ratio equal to 0.35), and the thermal properties of the material were determined based on the above thermodynamic tests. (2) The interfacial bonding was simulated with a tie constraint. (3) Fixed support and field thermal conditions were determined for the topmost layer of the road pavement.…”

“…Rapid economic development [1], human activity [2], and urbanization [3,4] generate billions of tons of solid waste in urban areas worldwide [5], and municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) residues accompany this waste [6,7]. Given their size distribution and chemical composition [8], the geotechnical properties of MSWIRs can increase recycling potential in construction when used as light fillers and aggregates [9].…”

“…(1) Research on the effects of MSWI residues with hollow microsphere structures on the thermal behavior of asphalt roads is still relatively limited; (2) The numerical studies in the literature do not focus on the effects of MSWIRs with hollow microsphere structures on the thermal behavior of flexible pavements; (3) The interaction between MSWIRs in asphalt and the environment has not been validated through field investigations.…”

A Comparative Study of the Effect of Moisture Susceptibility on Polyethylene Terephthalate–Modified Asphalt Mixes under Different Regulatory Procedures

“…According to the results of other published research, the stability of the asphalt mixture increases with the addition of PET. The stability of the PETmodified asphalt mixture is better compared to conventional asphalt mixture samples due to improved adhesion between aggregate, binder and polymer [30]. Figure 6 shows the Marshall flow results of the PET-modified blends.…”