Research of oil road bitumen modification with low density polyethylene

Abstract

The aging of bitumen in the asphalt concrete pavement inevitably raises the question of the possibility of restoration of its regeneration characteristics. In general bitumen is classified as road bitumen, building bitumen, roofing bitumen, insulation bitumen, special purpose bitumen and others. Road bitumen is most produced (70-80%) and intended for the production of all major types of construction and repair of road works, and also liquid bitumen intended to prolong the season of road works. A promising method to improve the quality of bitumen and road coatings is using the polymeric modifier, such as polymeric waste and secondary polymers such as polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, atactic polypropylene in bituminous compositions. Modifying bitumen with polymers enhances its elasticity, strength and heat resistance at elevated temperatures. Increasing the crack resistance of road surfaces, increases the lifetime. This article reviews the applications of the polymer components to improve the structural and mechanical properties of bitumen. The qualitative characteristics of bitumen can be restored with recycled polymeric materials such as polyethylene. Using polyethylene in the road mix composition improves the physical and mechanical properties of bitumen by improving the adhesion of bitumen with mineral components. This allows to considerably reducing the consumption of bitumen, which in turn enables to utilize a large-waste of polymer.