Feasibility Investigation of Bitumen Properties by Blending of Coal Tar Pitch

Abstract

There are numerous methods and additives available to improve the durability and quality of road bitumen. A coal tar obtained by coal coking was distilled in a laboratory into fractions of initial boiling point IBP-180℃ (gasoline-like fuel), 180℃ - 360℃ (diesel-like fuel), and >360℃ (residue or coal tar pitch). The coal tar pitch was added into road bitumen by up to 1 - 5 wt% and investigated the alteration of physical and chemical properties. The physico-mechanical properties of coal tar pitch and bitumen blends, as well as the chemical group composition, were determined using standard techniques (MNS) and the SARA method, respectively. Results of 3% coal tar pitch addition into bitumen enhanced ductility by 12.4% and softening point by 1.6℃. We found that blending with bitumen coal tar pitch as a modifier could improve bitumen properties.