Evaluation of the properties of modified local asphalt binder by using styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) or low-density polyethylene (LDPE)

Abstract

The influence of styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) or low-density polyethylene (LDPE) polymers on the characteristics of local asphalt binder was analyzed to characterize the rheological properties. The results indicated that the SBR or LDPE increased the softening point. The softening point was enhanced by around 35% when 9% of SBR was used in comparison to the unmodified asphalt, while there was a 15% increment when LDPE was used. The results also indicated that the SBR or LDPE decreased the penetration rate. The penetration decreases by around 36% when 9% of SBR is used compared to the neat asphalt, while a significant increment was 89% when 9% of LDPE is used. Additionally, when 9% SBR was employed, the ductility of the asphalt binder rose by roughly 73%, but 64% less ductility was seen when 9% LDPE was utilized. Finally, the addition of the additive has improved the penetration index, thus reducing the temperature sensitivity. Due to said above, SBR and LDPE are practical and promising modifiers that will be useful in enhancing the performance of the asphalt binder straightforwardly and efficiently.

The Use of Waste Polymers in Asphalt Mixtures: Bibliometric Analysis and Systematic Review

“…Depending on whether the polymer is spread within the asphalt matrix or the asphalt is dispersed within the polymer matrix, this structure may appear as an asphaltrich phase or a polymer-rich phase [19]. Currently, the most used polymer wastes for modifying asphalt are polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), styrenebutadiene rubber (SBR), styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS), polyethylene (PE), and ethylenevinyl acetate (EVA) [14,[20][21][22]. Among plastic types, PE decomposes at a slow rate and persists in the environment for an extended period after disposal [23].…”