POLYETHYLENE AND POLYPROPYLENE MODIFICATION FOR ENHANCED BITUMEN PROPERTIES

Abstract

This paper presents a review of both the research and practice regarding the latest available information on bitumen modified using polymers, among which special attention is paid to polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), both widely used to significantly improve the properties of bitumen. In this literature review, the authors concentrate on the chemical composition of modified bitumen, assessing the various approaches utilized in improving its engineering properties in paving, as well as looking at traditional additives and polymers. The latter have been shown to greatly enhance the performance characteristics and properties of bitumen. The viscoelastic behavior of polymer-modified bitumen (PMB) depends on various factors, including initial polymer structure and concentration, mixing temperature and technique, as a well as species of bitumen and its resistance to factors such as solvents and temperature fluctuations. Though an assertion can be made that both traditional additives and polymers have the potential to improve specific properties of bitumen, PMB appears to provide significant increases to the ability of the composite material to withstand a broader range of climatic conditions.