Sustainable Production of New-Graded Bitumen with Waste Styrofoam Modification

Abstract

Styrofoam is a recyclable petroleum origin product. However, releasing it and/or its waste into nature causes permanent damage to environment and human health owing to toxic materials that it contains. This study was set out on sustainable recycling of waste styrofoam (WS). To recycle the waste, it is used as a modifier in bitumen. In this respect, three type of bitumen in different penetration grade, which are one used for modification the other two used for reference in optimization analysis and WS in five different rate ranging from 1% to 5% by weight of bitumen were utilized. Different conventional test methods were applied on each samples to identify the effect of WS rate on bitumen basic characteristics. Optimum rate of WS required to produce new grade bitumen was evaluated based on modification index found for all test results. The test results showed that WS modification changes the bitumen properties, significantly. It can be possible to produce new graded bitumen using certain rate of WS. Test method was found a critique factor, since optimum rate of WS considered based on modification index changes due to the test method. Overall, the recycling WS using as a modifier in bitumen can an alternative, energy efficient, economic, and eco-friendly method.