Physical Properties of Low Density Polyethylene, Polyvinylchloride and Used Engine Oil Modified Asphalt

Abstract

Since the influence of polymeric additives on the rheological and performance characteristics of bituminous materials is dependent on the composition and origin of the bituminous base materials itself, the influence of polymeric additives on the physical properties of the world renowned Trinidad Lake Asphalt (TLA) was investigated. The specific physical, performance properties of rutting resistance and fatigue cracking resistance (as measured by the rheological properties of complex modulus and phase angle) and viscosity of Trinidad Lake Asphalt modified with varying levels of waste Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and Used Engine Oil (UEO) were measured to deduce the applicability of these waste polymeric materials as a performance enhancer for the base asphalt. The results indicated that as the UEO concentration in TLA increased (0–30%), there was an incremental increase in the fatigue cracking resistance and a decrease in rutting resistance. The incremental addition of PVC to TLA (0–10%) resulted in optimal rutting resistance at 2% and 8% PVC concentrations respectively. The fatigue cracking resistance and rutting resistance of the LDPE modified TLA increased with the addition of 1% LDPE; further additions having minimal effect on the performance properties of the blends. Viscosity measurements at different temperatures of the various polymer-asphalt blends were made to determine the ease at which the blends can be mixed during the manufacturing process.