Performance Evaluation of Waste Toner and Recycled LDPE-Modified Asphalt Pavement: A Mechanical and Carbon Assessment-Based Optimization Approach Towards Sustainability

Muhammad Usman Siddiq (), Muhammad Kashif Anwar (), Faris H. Almansour, Jahanzeb Javed and Muhammad Ahmed Qurashi
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Muhammad Usman Siddiq: Civil and Building Services Engineering Division, School of Built Environment and Architecture, London South Bank University, 103 Borough Road, London SE1 0AA, UK
Muhammad Kashif Anwar: Key Laboratory of Road and Traffic Engineering of the Ministry of Education, College of Transportation Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 201804, China
Faris H. Almansour: Carbon Management Technologies Institute, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia
Jahanzeb Javed: Belfast School of Architecture and the Built Environment, Ulster University, York Street, Belfast BT15 1ED, Northern Ireland, UK
Muhammad Ahmed Qurashi: Department of Bridge Engineering, College of Civil Engineering, Tongji University, Siping Road 1239, Shanghai 200092, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 15, 1-28

Abstract: Due to the increasing environmental concerns and the growing generation of electronic waste and plastic, sustainable waste management solutions are essential for the construction industry. This study explores the potential of using electronic waste toner powder (WTP) and recycled low-density polyethylene (LDPE), either individually or in combination as modifiers for asphalt binder to enhance pavement performance and reduce environmental impact. The analysis focused on three key components: (1) binder development and testing; (2) performance evaluation through Marshall stability, indirect tensile strength, and Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) testing for rutting resistance; and (3) sustainability assessment in terms of carbon footprint reduction. The results revealed that the formulation of 25% WTP and 8% LDPE processed at 160 °C achieved the best mechanical performance and lowest carbon index, enhancing Marshall stability by 32% and rutting resistance by 41%. Additionally, this formulation reduced the carbon footprint by 27% compared to conventional asphalt. The study demonstrated that the combination of WTP and LDPE significantly improves the sustainability and performance of asphalt pavements, offering mechanical, environmental, and economic benefits. By providing a quantitative assessment of waste-modified asphalt, this study uniquely demonstrates the combined use of WTP and LDPE in asphalt, offering a novel dual-waste valorization approach that enhances pavement performance while promoting circular economy practices.

Keywords: sustainable pavements; recycled materials; waste toner; RSM optimization; circular economy; carbon footprint (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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