Influence of modification mixing parameters on conventional properties of palm oil clinker fine (POCF)-modified bitumen

Abstract

Palm oil clinker (POC) is a by-product produced by the palm oil industry dumped in open sites, contributing to the environment's issues. Thus the need for strategic ways to mitigate its environmental effect and improves sustainability is crucial. This research was conducted to ascertain the suitability of using the palm oil clinker fine (POCF) as bitumen modifiers through material characterization tests. Furthermore, the evaluation of the influence of modification mixing parameters on the conventional properties of the POCF-modified bitumen. The incorporation of The POCF into the bitumen was done using a high shear mixer with the mixing speed, temperature, and time varied between 500 and 2000 rpm, 140–160 °C, and 30–60 min respectively, whereas the dosage of POCF was varied between (2–10% by weight of bitumen). Subsequently, the effect of the mixing parameters on penetration and softening point tests were used to assess the POCF-modified bitumen conventional properties relating to the base bitumen. From the material characterization, its pozzolanic properties suggest the feasibility of utilizing it as a bitumen modifier. Also, the findings reveal that all the mixing parameters have an influence on the POCF-MB properties and the optimum mixing parameters are 900 rpm at 160 °C for 30 min. While 6.3% of POCF is the optimum dosage that displays more improvement in the conventional properties of the bitumen such as decreasing penetration, increasing softening point. Generally, the incorporation of POCF enhances conventional bitumen properties while concurrently encouraging and harnessing sustainability.