Utilization of coir fibre as an asphalt modifier

Abstract

The influence of added coir (coconut) fibre of various lengths (from 2.5 mm to 10 mm) and dosages (up to 8 wt%) on the rheological properties of Trinidad Lake Asphalt (TLA) and Trinidad Petroleum Bitumen (TPB) was evaluated by measuring changes in the phase angle, δ (measure of the elasticity) and the complex modulus, G* (measure of the degree of stiffness). Results indicated that for both TLA and TPB, the highest values of G* (stiffest) and the lowest values of δ (most elastic) were observed for blends containing 2.5-mm coir fibre lengths for added coir concentrations of 6% and 8%, respectively. When compared to the unmodified TLA, the addition of 6 wt% of 2.5-mm coir fibre resulted in the largest significant increase in G* (7.3 times) as well as a significant decrease in δ (from 49.3° to 19.8°), representing a significant stiffening and increased elasticity of the modified blend. For TPB, the optimum concentration of added coir fibre occurred after the addition of 6 wt% of the 2.5-mm coir fibre, which resulted in the largest significant increase in G* of 5.4 times (stiffening) as well as a significant decrease in δ from 86.2° to 47.4° (increased elasticity as the material transformed from an almost viscous liquid to a semi-elastic solid) when compared to the unmodified pure TPB. The utilization of coir fibre for the rheological enhancement of Trinidad asphaltic materials can also provide an environmentally attractive option for solving the waste disposal issues associated with the dumping of waste coconut husk.

The Application of Nano-Calcium Carbonate in the Technology of Improving Road Petroleum Asphalt

“…(1) Asphalt is a dark brown or dark fragile solid, usually in powder form [21]. e solubility of asphalt in benzene solution gradually decreases with the extension of storage time.…”

Applications of Synthetic, Natural, and Waste Fibers in Asphalt Mixtures: A Citation-Based Review

“…In addition, the researchers stated that the incorporation of coconut fibers has a significant effect on the volumetric properties of the asphalt mix. Maharaj et al [ 162 ] found that adding 2.5 mm long coconut fibers as a bitumen modifier at a proportion of 6% by binder weight improved the rheological properties of bitumen in terms of deformation resistance and elastic behavior. In a study conducted by Parimita [ 163 ], the Marshall stability of stone mastic asphalt reinforced with 0.3% coconut and banana fibers were evaluated.…”

Influencia De La Cáscara Y Fibra De Coco en Mezclas Asfálticas en Caliente

“…También creemos conveniente que en futuras investigaciones se emplee otros tipos de mejoradores de adherencia y se pruebe además con distintos tipos y/o características de coco pues en nuestro país existen diversas variedades de coco que incluya la variabilidad de la longitud de la fibra, el diámetro y espesor de la cáscara de coco, la variación de la temperatura de la mezcla asfáltica y la posibilidad de que se pueda emplear este material en el desarrollo de mezclas tibias y mezclas templadas, pues como lo sostiene Maharaj, R., Ali, R., Ramlochan, D., & Mohamed, N. (2019) la influencia de la fibra de coco añadida de varias longitudes (de 2,5 mm a 10 mm) y dosis (hasta 8% en peso) influyen directamente en las propiedades reológicas del asfalto y por ende en la mezcla asfáltica, incluye también el estudio futuro del comportamiento a nivel molecular según Hidalgo-Salazar, M. A., Correa-Aguirre, J. P., García-Navarro, S., & Roca-Blay, L. (2020) ya que evaluaron las propiedades de una matriz de mezcla de poliolefinas y la modificaron mediante la adición de fibra de coco y mostraron que sus resultados abren una oportunidad factible para considerarlo como material alternativos para el diseño y fabricación de productos sostenibles con el medio ambiente.…”