Effect of the addition of oligo ester on the rheological properties of bitumen grade 80–100

Abstract

ABSTRACTMany problems have emerged in road construction due to insufficient adhesion and elasticity of asphalt layers as road surface. Adding polymer to bitumen can improve and modify asphalt properties. Oligo ester can be used as an additive to improve bitumen properties. Through reaction of recycled polyethylene terephthalate with dipropyleneglycol, oligo ester was produced during the glycolysis process. In this research, oligo ester was fabricated through glycolysis reaction. Then it was added to the bitumen grade 80–100 in 2 and 5 wt%. The end product was evaluated by standard test methods for ductility, softening point, penetration, and thermal behavior was measured by Thermal Gravimetric, Differential Thermal Gravimetric, and Differential Thermal Analysis. The results revealed that the addition of the above polymers to bitumen reduced penetration property and increased softening point and ductility. Also, thermal behavior of bitumen was modified.