Abstract
The use of polymer-modified binders in asphalt mixtures has become more widespread due to their reduced thermal susceptibility and improved rutting and fatigue resistance. Nevertheless, their high cost limits their application, thus making the use of reclaimed polymers (RP) an interesting alternative for both reducing price and extending the service life of pavements. This paper; therefore, presents a comparative review of the recycled polymers most commonly studied as bitumen modifiers: polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), and ground tire rubber (GTR), in order to facilitate their selection and extend the use of the bitumen. The differences in terms of melting point, mixing conditions, and maximum quantity of added polymer are analyzed. Moreover, their effect on the mechanical behavior of the asphalt binders and their stability with and without the use of additives is presented. According to the literature revision, the performance of the new binder is more influenced by the kind of polymer that was incorporated and the mixing conditions than by the base bitumen that was chosen, although rheological evaluation is needed to fully understand the modification mechanisms of the modified binder. In general terms, plastomers have a stronger effect in terms of increasing the stiffness of the bitumen in comparison with crumb rubber (elastomers), thus providing an improved rutting resistance. The joint use of polyethylene (plastomer) and crumb rubber (elastomer) can be an interesting option for its recycling potential and mechanical performance, although further study is needed to achieve stable bitumen across the entire range of temperatures; additives, such as maleic anhydride (MA), are commonly employed to improve the stability of the binder and enhance its characteristics, but their use could limit the economic benefits of using recycled materials.
Highlights
In recent decades, the increase in traffic volume and loads, along with the extreme thermal gradient experienced in some places, has given rise to premature pavement deterioration [1]
If the reclaimed polymer modified binder (RPMB) produced by the wet process is stored at high temperatures without agitation, some phase separation could appear, resulting in heterogeneous bitumen that cannot be used for the manufacture of bituminous mixtures [18,19]
This paper presents a literature review of the reclaimed polymers (RP) most widely studied for producing RPMB: polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), and ground tire rubber (GTR)
Summary
The increase in traffic volume and loads, along with the extreme thermal gradient experienced in some places, has given rise to premature pavement deterioration [1]. If the reclaimed polymer modified binder (RPMB) produced by the wet process is stored at high temperatures without agitation, some phase separation could appear, resulting in heterogeneous bitumen that cannot be used for the manufacture of bituminous mixtures [18,19]. The paper analyzes and compares the main properties of each polymer, its melting point, incorporation process, quantity added, as well as its effect on the mechanical behavior and stability of the asphalt binders. This allows for providing a practical view of the requirements, limitations, and benefits of each polymer so as to facilitate their selection and application
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