Transforming Plastic Waste into Sustainable Roads: Enhancing Bituminous Mixes With High and Low-Density Polymers

Surya Dev Singh, Pradyut Anand (), Sunil Kumar Yadav, Nishant () and Tarak Vora
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Surya Dev Singh: Madanapalle Institute of Technology & Science, Department of Civil Engineering
Pradyut Anand: Noida International University, School of Engineering & Technology
Sunil Kumar Yadav: Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, Govt. of India, Central Public Works Department
Nishant: Indian Institute of Technology (ISM), Department of Mechanical Engineering
Tarak Vora: Marwadi University, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Department of Civil Engineering

Circular Economy and Sustainability, 2025, vol. 5, issue 5, 3939-3972

Abstract: Abstract Plastic waste disposal poses a significant environmental challenge, contributing to pollution and global warming. One promising avenue for addressing this issue is incorporating plastic waste into bituminous mixes, offering the dual benefits of enhancing mixture properties and reducing plastic waste accumulation. This study delves into the impact of varying densities of plastic within conventional VG-40 grade Bitumen across different plastic ratios. Initially, plastic waste undergoes grinding to transform it into a powder form. Subsequently, 6–10% plastic is blended with bitumen according to codal provisions, using a shear mixer at temperatures ranging between 160 °C and 170 °C. The resultant mixture exhibits improved strength and durability, surpassing conventional asphalt mixes. Rheological parameters such as penetration, ring and ball, softening point, and viscosity tests are conducted to assess the physiochemical characteristics of the modified bitumen samples. It is observed that the Marshall stability of the modified samples, composed of Bitumen and plastic, increases with higher waste plastic content, ranging from 6 to 8% for both low and high-density plastics. Remarkably, the maximum Marshall stability of flexible pavement roads is achieved at an 8% waste plastic content, with Marshall stability declining beyond this. Moreover, the Marshall stability of high-density plastic surpasses that of low-density plastic at the 8% content level. Furthermore, this study highlights an inverse relationship between flow value and plastic content, irrespective of plastic density. This finding underscores the intricate interplay between plastic composition and bitumen properties, offering valuable insights for sustainable road construction practices.

Keywords: Plastic waste disposal; Bituminous mixes; VG-40 grade bitumen; Rheological parameters; Marshall stability; Plastic content; Sustainable road construction (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s43615-025-00540-4

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