Performance Optimization Approach of Polymer Modified Asphalt Mixtures with PET and PE Wastes: A Safety Study for Utilizing Eco-Friendly Circular Economy-Based SDGs Concepts

Abstract

Eco-friendly waste utilization helps in the development of sustainable infrastructures. Recently, researchers have focused on the production of road infrastructures using the circular economy concept of human safety. The objective of this study is to investigate and explore the utilization of optimum polymer waste content for the development of polymer-modified asphalt mixtures using response surface methodology (RSM). RSM based on Box–Behnken design (BBD) was employed to optimize experimental design and included three factors: X1, polymer type; X2, polymer contents; and X3, testing day. The optimized responses determined by the RSM were as follows: MS of 42.98 kN, MF of 5.08 mm, and MQ of 8.66 kN/mm, indicating a favorable and consistent precision in comparison with experimental values. Moreover, the Marshall characteristics of samples prepared with PE were quite improved compared to PET. In conclusion, the incorporation of such polymer wastes in road construction is a sustainable and cost-effective way of improving their engineering properties. This study will help in the development of sustainable road infrastructures supporting human safety and environmentally friendly practices.

The Effect of Recycled High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) as an Additional Binder in Porous Asphalt Pavement

“…According to a research, Malaysia created 0.94 million tons of plastic waste globally, making it one of the countries with worst plastic pollution. According to 2019 research conducted by the WWf, Malaysia has the largest annual plastic usage in the world averaging 16.87 kilogram per person [4][5][6]. Landfills are filled with more single-use plastic wastes lead to difficulty in recycling process.…”

Modification of Petroleum Bitumen with Secondary Polyethylene in the Presence of Vermiculite

“…The most commonly used bitumen modifiers, improving the engineering qualities of bitumen, include high-molecular weight compounds of the following types: block copolymers of divinyl and styrene, thermoplastics (polyethylene, polystyrene, epoxy resin, and ethylene vinyl acetate), elastomers (synthetic rubbers), thermosets (carbamide, polyester, and other synthetic polymers) [8][9][10]. Polymer-bitumen binders are new road-building materials that are superior in many characteristics to conventional petroleum-based road bitumen and perform a binding function in the production of asphalt mixtures for paving, reconstructing, and constructing roads [11].…”

Potential Use of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement Aggregate and Waste Plastic Bottles for Sustainable Asphalt Pavement Production

“…The addition of WPBs enhances asphalt's resistance to temperature variations and helps prevent rutting compared to standard blends [9]. Additionally, a waste plastic modifier was introduced into the asphalt mixture to improve its resistance to moisture degradation, thereby extending its useful life [10].…”