Combined effect of waste polymer and rejuvenator on performance properties of reclaimed asphalt binder

Abstract

In hot asphalt recycling, use of reclaimed asphalt binder has resulted in stiffer binders. To counter this phenomenon, rejuvenators are utilized. Further, research has shown that polymers can improve the performance properties of the aged bitumen. The study of the combined effect of both (rejuvenator and polymer) on the rheological properties of reclaimed asphalt binder can provide useful insights about the performance of the binder in hot asphalt recycling projects. In the current study, the combined effect of a rejuvenator and polymer derived from a waste source on the mechanical properties of bitumen containing varying percentages of reclaimed asphalt binder (RAB) is evaluated for the first time. The fatigue behavior was evaluated using linear amplitude sweep (LAS), and time sweep (TS) tests while rutting resistance was assessed using multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR) test. Moreover, bending beam rheometer (BBR) test is also performed to compare the sample’s low-temperature cracking. Results indicate that the synergistic use of waste polymer along with rejuvenator substantially improves the high, intermediate, and low-temperature properties of the blends with 50% RAB content compared to that of the control bitumen. Therefore, the use of waste PBR in hot asphalt recycling (HIR) projects, in addition to improving the performance of recycled bitumen can also be introduced as an environmental-friendly option.