Effects of pyrolysis bio-oil derived from palm kernel shell on modified bitumen properties

Abstract

Economical and environmental friendly materials that able to replace petroleum based binder has become an urgent demand in road industry. Bio oil from palm oil waste is relatively more economical and has the potential to used as bitumen replacement as bio asphalt. The performance of bio asphalt derived from different source and process to produce bio oils are varies. Hence, this study aims to investigate the effects of palm kernel shell bio-oil in terms of physical properties, the chemical functional group, and the morphology. The bitumen properties were evaluated by the conventional physical tests, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, and Scanning Electron Microscopy. The palm kernel shell bio-oil was added into the bitumen by weight of bitumen at 0%, 2%, 3%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% and blended using mechanical stirrer. From the conventional physical test, it was found that bio-oil modified bitumen increased in penetration and ductility with decreased softening point. This indicate that direct addition of bio oil soften the modified bitumen. The change of the functional group in FTIR is significantly influenced by the increasing content of bio-oil. The morphology of the modified bitumen showed inhomogenous surface with noticeable wrinkles as the bio oil content increase. Based on the physicochemical evaluation, 3% bio oil replacement passed all the physical tests requirement with less changes in FTIR result. Therefore, 3% bio oil content is proposed for further tests for direct inclusion of bio oil into bitumen for local road construction utilization.