Evaluation of prina for use in asphalt modification

Abstract

In this study, the usability of prina, which is a biomass waste, in asphalt modification was evaluated by investigating its effects on the physical, rheological, microstructural and chemical characteristics of asphalt binder. For this, modified asphalt binders were obtained by adding prina (wt. 5, 10, 15, 20 %) to pure B160/220 penetration class asphalt. The properties of the pure and modified binder samples were determined by exposure to penetration, ductility, softening point, dynamic shear rheometer, rotational viscometer, bending beam rheometer, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and elemental analysis tests. According to the physical test results, with the addition of 15 % prina, the penetration and ductility values of asphalt binders decreased by 26.4 % and 14.4 %, respectively, and the softening point values increased by 11.3 %. In addition, it was observed that the temperature sensitivity of the binder decreased by 58.2 % at this rate and the penetration class changed to B 100/150. The rheological test results showed that the permanent deformation (rutting) resistance of binders with 15 % prina added in particular increased at 6 °C higher temperatures compared to pure asphalt, and the prina modified binders behaved like a more elastic solid despite hardening. Chemical characterization results showed that prina additive contributed to the increase in the flexibility of modified binders due to its cellulosic and flexible structure. As a result, it is evaluated that prina can be used as a remedial additive in asphalt modification and contribute to the increase of pavement performance, and also that the damage of this waste material to the environment can be eliminated.