Reclaimed Polymers as Asphalt Binder Modifiers for More Sustainable Roads: A Review

Luzana Brasileiro, Fernando Moreno-Navarro, Raúl Tauste-Martínez, Jose Matos and Maria del Carmen Rubio-Gámez
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Luzana Brasileiro: Departamento de Construção Civil e Arquitetura, Universidade Federal do Piauí, Teresina 64.049-550, Brazil
Fernando Moreno-Navarro: Construction Engineering Laboratory, University of Granada (LabIC.UGR), 18071 Granada, Spain
Raúl Tauste-Martínez: Construction Engineering Laboratory, University of Granada (LabIC.UGR), 18071 Granada, Spain
Jose Matos: Departamento de Construção Civil e Arquitetura, Universidade Federal do Piauí, Teresina 64.049-550, Brazil
Maria del Carmen Rubio-Gámez: Construction Engineering Laboratory, University of Granada (LabIC.UGR), 18071 Granada, Spain

Sustainability, 2019, vol. 11, issue 3, 1-20

Abstract: The use of polymer-modified binders in asphalt mixtures has become more widespread due to their reduced thermal susceptibility and improved rutting and fatigue resistance. Nevertheless, their high cost limits their application, thus making the use of reclaimed polymers (RP) an interesting alternative for both reducing price and extending the service life of pavements. This paper; therefore, presents a comparative review of the recycled polymers most commonly studied as bitumen modifiers: polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), and ground tire rubber (GTR), in order to facilitate their selection and extend the use of the bitumen. The differences in terms of melting point, mixing conditions, and maximum quantity of added polymer are analyzed. Moreover, their effect on the mechanical behavior of the asphalt binders and their stability with and without the use of additives is presented. According to the literature revision, the performance of the new binder is more influenced by the kind of polymer that was incorporated and the mixing conditions than by the base bitumen that was chosen, although rheological evaluation is needed to fully understand the modification mechanisms of the modified binder. In general terms, plastomers have a stronger effect in terms of increasing the stiffness of the bitumen in comparison with crumb rubber (elastomers), thus providing an improved rutting resistance. The joint use of polyethylene (plastomer) and crumb rubber (elastomer) can be an interesting option for its recycling potential and mechanical performance, although further study is needed to achieve stable bitumen across the entire range of temperatures; additives, such as maleic anhydride (MA), are commonly employed to improve the stability of the binder and enhance its characteristics, but their use could limit the economic benefits of using recycled materials.

Keywords: reclaimed polymers; asphalt binder; sustainability; recycling; bitumen (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (10)

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