Characterization of Asphalt Binders Modified with Bio-Binder from Swine Manure

Abstract

Asphalt is an essential material in the construction of asphalt pavements. Due to its high demand and dependence on petroleum, it is crucial to use greener materials that can fully or partially replace petroleum-based binders. The characteristics of asphalt cause the bio-binder obtained through a hydrothermal liquefaction process from swine manure to have great potential to be used as a modifier due to its similarities with asphalt, contributing to the construction of more sustainable roads. Thus, this paper characterizes an asphalt binder modified with a new bio-binder obtained from swine manure at different rates (0%, 10%, and 20%). Several characterization tests were performed, including penetration, ring and ball, Fraass, viscosity, Cleveland open cup, and the UCL method. Furthermore, the possible leaching of the bio-binder was studied, showing no environmental problems. Results from the rheological tests showed that as the content of bio-binder increases, the softening temperature, Fraass breaking point, and viscosity of the bio-modified asphalt binder decrease, indicating the lower consistency of the bio-modified binder and its greater thermal susceptibility.