Using recycled waste glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) as filler to improve the performance of asphalt mastics

Abstract

Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP), especially glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP), has been widely used in construction, navigation, transportation, and chemical engineering due to its excellent physical and mechanical properties. As a result, a great amount of waste GFRP is produced which leads to serious environmental pollution, and an efficient treatment method of waste GFRP is urgently needed. In this research, the waste epoxy-based GFRP composite powder was recycled as an mineral filler alternative for the fabrication of asphalt mastics, and the properties of the GFRP powder asphalt mastics were investigated. The results show that the waste GFRP powder has a greater specific surface area and lower density than limestone fillers. The regular cylindrical particles in GFRP powder are found to show an anti-put-off effect which improves the medium and high-temperature performance, rutting resistance, and fatigue resistance of asphalt mastics. However, the lower density of waste GFRP powder, which takes up a higher volume ratio in asphalt mastics compared with limestone filler at the same mass ratio, has negative effects on the low-temperature performance of asphalt mastics. Waste GFRP powder can also improve the aging resistance and moisture resistance of asphalt mastics. This research provides a feasible solution for the recovery of GFRP waste with low energy consumption and pollution production. It also contributes to the sustainable development of pavement infrastructure construction.