High-Temperature Rheological Properties and Storage Stability of Bitumen Modified with the Char Produced from Co-Pyrolysis of Different Wastes

Abstract

By enhancing the bitumen properties with the additives produced from waste, not only can the performance of flexible pavements be improved, but it can also contribute to the environment. This research aims to produce a novel pyrolytic char from different wastes and to investigate the usability of this char as an additive in bitumen. In this study, first, the pyrolytic char was produced from the co-pyrolysis of three different wastes, including waste paper cups, polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste. Properties of the char were determined by using CHN (carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses. The high-temperature rheological properties of binders were evaluated by using DSR (dynamic shear rheometer), RV (rotational viscometer), softening point, and penetration tests. Additionally, specific gravity, storage stability, high-temperature performance grades (PGs), and temperature susceptibilities of binders were determined. Test results showed that this pyrolytic char enhanced the high-temperature properties of neat bitumen by increasing softening point, viscosity, rutting resistance, and high-temperature PG of pure bitumen. Additionally, it can be said that the bituminous binder modified with this pyrolytic char had good storage stability when it was used at an 8% ratio in neat bitumen.