Property Evaluation of the Bitumen Modified with Waste Vegetable Oil and Low-Density Polymer

Abstract

The low density polyethylene (LDPE) and other related polymers have been extensively used due to massive growth of inhabitants, urbanization and change in the their life styles. Moreover, the vegetable oil is being tremendously used in the frying different dishes. The disposal of the waste vegetable oil (WCO) along with the domestic waste water may cause water pollution of the natural and open water sources like river. The key aim of this investigation is to examine the viability of partial elimination of the bitumen by the use of LDPE and WCO. An extensive investigation of characteristics like penetration, softening, specific gravity, ductility, flash and fire point temperatures were conducted on modified samples of bitumen to achieve this aim. The modification effect is attributed to 4%, 4.5% and 5% of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) in addition to the fixed proportion of 10% WCO as partial replacement of the bitumen binder. Addition of LDPE and WCO has reduced the penetration as well as the ductility value of the modified bitumen. But, there is no significant change in the specific gravity of these modified samples. This means, the conventional methods and equipment scan also be used for this modification in the asphalt. Using LDPE and WCO as additives for intensifying the workability of the asphalt binder can be called as alternatives of the management of the generated waste. Lastly, it is assumed that reutilizing LDPE and WCO as an ingredient of asphalt is an economic, favorable and eco-friendly application in hot climatic regions