Biocomponent-Based Quality Improvement Opportunities of Binders for Road Construction

Abstract

In our experimental work, stabilised pinewood-based fast pyrolysis bio-oil and the linear block copolymer styrene butadiene styrene (SBS) were used as additives in bitumen used for road construction (Penetration Grade 50/70) to produce a higher-performance asphalt binder. Our aim was to investigate the modifying effect of the biocomponent on bituminous binders and prepare a comparative analysis. In order to characterize our samples, conventional and rheological measurements were performed. It was concluded that the biocomponent by itself cannot provide a favourable bituminous binder with beneficial mechanical properties, however, a favourable solution may be achieved by combining it with the block copolymer SBS. Based on our test results, stabilised pinewood-based fast pyrolysis bio-oil could be blended with the examined bituminous binders up to concentrations of 10 w/w% resulting in good bitumen quality.