Abstract
This study assessed the potential of lignin, derived from black liquor, for deagglomerating asphaltene fractions. Chemical and rheological tests were employed to evaluate the efficacy of the lignin additives. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analyzed the chemical components of lignin (L1) isolated with sulfuric acid and lignin (L2) isolated with hydrochloric acid. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) examined changes in molecular size distribution and deagglomeration effectiveness of the lignin additives. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) assessed the chemical functional groups of asphalt, while the rheological performance of asphalt was evaluated through the crossover modulus (|G*c|) and frequency (ωc) analysis. L1, possessing high phenolic content and low pH, demonstrated deagglomeration effectiveness, achieving a 6% reduction in weight-average molecular weight, 3% in polydispersity index (PDI), and 16% in asphaltene fraction. Both L1 and L2 decreased the combination aging index of aged asphalt by 28% and 7%, respectively. Moreover, L1 and L2 enhanced the |G*c| of virgin and aged asphalt, consistent with the reduction in the PDI value. These findings suggest that lignin additives possess the potential to deagglomerate asphaltene fractions. The study highlights the potential of repurposing harmful substances from black liquor, traditionally incinerated to reclaim certain chemicals in pulp mills, for use in the pavement industry, promoting sustainability and resource conservation.
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