Bitumen using waste high-density polyethtylene plastic and lignin

Abstract

Highway transportation is fundamental in any nation’s economic growth. A nation’s lifeline that facilitates transport of people, products and raw materials, speedily and efficiently in the different parts of a country. Most countries use bituminous pavement to give a flexible and smooth surface to roads. However, with the increased utilization of roads and unpredictable weather conditions, bituminous pavements are easily damaged, and its resistance towards water is weak. This study attempt to evaluate the use of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Plastics and Lignin in bitumen with respect to the existing Philippine standard specification for bituminous mixture by determining the rheological properties (penetration, flash point, ductility, and specific gravity) and the mechanical property (marshall stability) of bitumen with and without waste HDPE plastics and lignin, and the significant difference between the mean value of rheological properties and mechanical properties of the bitumen with and without waste HDPE plastics and lignin. Bitumen, waste HDPE plastics, lignin and aggregates were mixed according to three different design mixture (1% lignin – 1% HDPE plastic – 98% bitumen, 3% lignin – 3% HDPE plastic – 94% bitumen, and 5% lignin – 5% HDPE plastic– 90% bitumen). The design mixtures were subjected to testing and were compared to pure bitumen in terms of rheological property and mechanical property. Results showed that waste HDPE plastic and lignin are potential alternative for pure bitumen.