Bio-polymer as a bitumen modifier
conference paper
Bitumen modifiers are used in order to improve or restore bitumen physical and mechanical performance.
Traditionally bitumen modifiers are products of crude oil, such as: soft bitumen and styrene-butadiene-styrene
(SBS). As crude oil production declines and the environmental and financial costs of crude oil extraction increase,
there is a need to identify cheap and more environmentally sustainable bitumen modifier alternatives. Bitumen
modifiers generated from biological sources offer an environmentally friendly and economically viable
alternative to the traditional, crude oil based, bitumen modifiers.
This paper describes how PHBV, bio-based, co-polymer might be used as a bitumen modifier. The effect of PHBV
on two different types of bitumen (soft bitumen and hard bitumen) was investigated. The softening point of the
PHBV was investigated and effect on the bitumen stiffness was investigated using the Dynamic Share Rheometer
test method. The results show that in soft bitumen, PHBV decreases the complex modulus, but that in hard
bitumen, it increases. These initial result indicate that PHBV can be used as bitumen rejuvenator and bitumen
polymer modifier.
Traditionally bitumen modifiers are products of crude oil, such as: soft bitumen and styrene-butadiene-styrene
(SBS). As crude oil production declines and the environmental and financial costs of crude oil extraction increase,
there is a need to identify cheap and more environmentally sustainable bitumen modifier alternatives. Bitumen
modifiers generated from biological sources offer an environmentally friendly and economically viable
alternative to the traditional, crude oil based, bitumen modifiers.
This paper describes how PHBV, bio-based, co-polymer might be used as a bitumen modifier. The effect of PHBV
on two different types of bitumen (soft bitumen and hard bitumen) was investigated. The softening point of the
PHBV was investigated and effect on the bitumen stiffness was investigated using the Dynamic Share Rheometer
test method. The results show that in soft bitumen, PHBV decreases the complex modulus, but that in hard
bitumen, it increases. These initial result indicate that PHBV can be used as bitumen rejuvenator and bitumen
polymer modifier.
TNO Identifier
986659
Source title
1st International Workshop on the Use of Biomaterials in Pavements Granada (Spain), 24-25 February 2022
Pages
1-2
Files
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