Reclaimed Polymers as Asphalt Binder Modifiers for More Sustainable Roads: A Review
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Brasileiro, Luzana; Moreno Navarro, Fernando Manuel; Tauste Martínez, Raúl; Rubio Gámez, María Del Carmen; Matos, JoséEditorial
MDPI
Materia
Reclaimed polymers Asphalt binder Sustainability Recycling Bitumen
Date
2019-01-26Referencia bibliográfica
Brasileiro, L., Moreno-Navarro, F., Tauste-Martínez, R., Matos, J., & Rubio-Gámez, M. D. C. (2019). Reclaimed polymers as asphalt binder modifiers for more sustainable roads: A Review. Sustainability, 11(3), 646.
Abstract
The use of polymer-modified binders in asphalt mixtures has become more widespread due
to their reduced thermal susceptibility and improved rutting and fatigue resistance. Nevertheless,
their high cost limits their application, thus making the use of reclaimed polymers (RP) an interesting
alternative for both reducing price and extending the service life of pavements. This paper; therefore,
presents a comparative review of the recycled polymers most commonly studied as bitumen modifiers:
polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), and
ground tire rubber (GTR), in order to facilitate their selection and extend the use of the bitumen.
The differences in terms of melting point, mixing conditions, and maximum quantity of added
polymer are analyzed. Moreover, their effect on the mechanical behavior of the asphalt binders and
their stability with and without the use of additives is presented. According to the literature revision,
the performance of the new binder is more influenced by the kind of polymer that was incorporated
and the mixing conditions than by the base bitumen that was chosen, although rheological evaluation
is needed to fully understand the modification mechanisms of the modified binder. In general terms,
plastomers have a stronger effect in terms of increasing the stiffness of the bitumen in comparison
with crumb rubber (elastomers), thus providing an improved rutting resistance. The joint use of
polyethylene (plastomer) and crumb rubber (elastomer) can be an interesting option for its recycling
potential and mechanical performance, although further study is needed to achieve stable bitumen
across the entire range of temperatures; additives, such as maleic anhydride (MA), are commonly
employed to improve the stability of the binder and enhance its characteristics, but their use could
limit the economic benefits of using recycled materials.