Development and Performance Evaluation of an Asphalt Regenerant Derived from Waste Engine Oil Residue

Abstract

This study assessed the fundamental physical properties and chemical composition of three specific waste engine oil residue (WEORs) asphalt regenerants. Through dynamic shear rheometer and rolling thin-film oven tests, the performance of aged asphalt was evaluated using three key indicators. Thin-layer chromatography investigations probed the WEOR-induced changes in the aging asphalt components, leading to the creation of two novel asphalt regenerants, WEOR-H and WEOR-G. WEOR-G was developed from WEOR-1, liquid rubber, ultraviolet absorber, light shielding agent, and antioxidant, while WEOR-H was formulated from WEOR-2, aromatic oil, and liquid rubber. The study employed differential scanning calorimetry and conventional laboratory tests to analyze the road performance attributes of Ingevity J type regenerant (J), WEOR-G, and WEOR-H. The results indicated that WEORs increase the saturate and aromatic content in asphalt and partially replenish the missing lightweight components of aged asphalt, moderately improving the three key indicators, though the regenerative effect is restricted. Achieving a full restoration of component proportions within aged asphalt to their initial levels proved unattainable, and direct application of any of the three WEORs as asphalt regenerants is impractical. WEOR-H and WEOR-G demonstrated potential in enhancing aged asphalt binder road performance, outpacing three other WEORs. At a 14% dosage, WEOR-G and WEOR-H could increase the 10 °C ductility to 23.5 and 21.4 cm, respectively, effectively counterbalancing the insufficient ability of WEOR-1 and WEOR-2 to restore the low-temperature performance of aged asphalt. Among the regenerants, WEOR-G, possessing superior regenerative effects, the lowest glass transition temperature, and optimal low-temperature deformation resistance, emerged as the most efficacious. This inquiry furnishes vital data support for future applications of WEOR-G asphalt regenerant.