Investigation on characteristics and properties of bagasse fibers: Performances of asphalt mixtures with bagasse fibers

Abstract

Bagasse from sugar industry waste contains plenty of nature fiber materials and the application of nature fibers in hot mix asphalt has become a more attractive alternative for the construction of road pavement. The aim of this work focuses on investigating the characteristics of bagasse fibers and performances of asphalt mixtures blended with bagasse fibers, compared with lignin fibers. The microstructure, components and properties of bagasse fibers were studied by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The oil absorbing test and heat resistance test were carried out to evaluate the adsorbability and heat resistance of bagasse fibers. In addition, the Marshall stability, high temperature stability, low temperature cracking resistance and water susceptibility of AC-13 and SMA-13 mixtures blended with fibers were comparatively evaluated by a series tests. Results show that the bagasse fibers have corrugated surface and irregular lumens and contain cellulose, hemicellulose, and aromatic polymers, mostly composed of amorphous and natural polysaccharide components similar to lignin fibers. The thermostability of bagasse fibers is slightly better than that of lignin fibers while the adsorbability of the latter is greater than that of the former. The high temperature stability and low temperature cracking resistance of asphalt mixtures can be greatly improved by adding bagasse fibers. The pavement performances of asphalt mixtures with bagasse fibers are basically close to that of asphalt mixtures with lignin fibers. Hence, bagasse fibers can be described as an environmentally friendly alternative for future pavement construction.