Evaluation of the Effect of Polystyrene on the Performance of Asphalt Mixes

Abstract

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is widely used in industry, as a packaging material, construction material, and in a household appliances. Contrary, their wastes (WPS) have disturber environmental effect. So, in our study, aimed to re-use (WPS) as effectiveness product; (WPS) was used to enhancement the performance of hot mix asphalt. Improvement of the performance of the local asphalt; penetration grade (60/70), was mixed with various percentages of (WPS; M.wt. = 77,000) 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, and 6%. Physical properties of modified and un-modified asphalt as; Penetration value, Softening point, Absolute viscosity at 60°C, Kinematics viscosity at 135°C, and Durability were evaluated through Marshall’s tests. The morphology was examined by an optical microscope (OM). The best results were recorded for polymer modified asphalt (PMAs) containing (5% WPS). This amount was improving workability and enhances the resistance to deformation of the asphalt concrete mixture. The thermal properties for PMAs were investigated by Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA).