Photoluminescent asphalt coating made from recycled EPS and strontium aluminate particles for improved road safety and waste management: a characterization study using ethyl acetate and acetone diluents

Abstract

This study focuses on the characterization and evaluation of a photoluminescent asphalt coating made from recycled expanded polystyrene (EPS) and strontium aluminate particles. The aim is to provide an alternative use for the significant volumes of EPS waste present in landfills worldwide. Two diluent mixtures, ethyl acetate and acetone, were used for the degradation of recycled EPS. The objective was to develop a coating that absorbs light emitted by cars at night, thereby enhancing road visibility, particularly in developing countries. The characterization of the coating involved various techniques including photoluminescence spectrophotometry (PL), color analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric tests (TGA), as well as tensile and shear tests. The findings indicate that the developed coating is not only technically feasible for solving nighttime lighting challenges but also offers a potential large-scale solution for managing EPS solid waste. The coating has the potential to be used in road demarcation, improving road safety, reducing energy consumption during nighttime, and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of roads by providing artificial lighting without the need for electricity consumption.