Characterisation of modified asphalt mixtures with lignin of pinus and eucalyptus woods

Abstract

ABSTRACT Lignin is a natural polymer that has antioxidant properties. However, a supplied lignin’s physical, chemical, and rheological behaviour will differ from the source. Thus, the objective of this work was to investigate the mechanical performance of asphalt mixtures produced with asphalt binders modified by lignins at the contents of 0, 3, 6, and 9%, from pinus and eucalyptus sawdust. The mixtures were evaluated by performing the Splitting Tensile Strength Test, Lottman, Resilient Modulus, and Dynamic Modulus. The results pointed to lignin, both tested, as a good natural polymer due to the increase in resilience of the asphalt mixtures and reduction of susceptibility to moisture for the proposed contents. Therefore, it is suitable for field use. Lignin can be identified as a residual modifier that can provide longer service life to asphalt coatings, presenting itself as an alternative modifier to the synthetic elastomeric polymers. The addition of 3% pinus lignin presented the best mechanical performance, followed by the addition of 9% eucalyptus lignin.