Performance Improvement Effect of Asphalt Binder Using Pyrolysis Carbon Black

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Environmental Engineering

Background:

• Growing waste tire generation necessitates sustainable recycling methods.
• Waste tire pyrolysis yields valuable byproducts like carbon black.
• Pyrolysis carbon black (PCB) offers potential for asphalt binder modification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of PCB on asphalt binder properties.
• To determine optimal PCB content for enhancing asphalt performance.
• To evaluate PCB's effectiveness in improving permanent deformation and thermal cracking resistance.

Main Methods:

• Waste tires were pyrolyzed to extract carbon black.
• Varying percentages of PCB (0-20%) were mixed with asphalt binders (AP-3, AP-5).
• Laboratory tests included softening point, flash point, rotational viscosity, dynamic shear rheometer, and bending beam rheometer tests.

Main Results:

• PCB addition increased softening point and rotational viscosity at 135 °C.
• Significant improvements in permanent deformation resistance were observed with 15% PCB for AP-3 and 10% PCB for AP-5.
• PCB enhanced low-temperature cracking resistance up to -12 °C but showed diminished performance at -18 °C.

Conclusions:

• Pyrolysis carbon black effectively modifies asphalt binder properties.
• Optimized PCB incorporation enhances asphalt's resistance to permanent deformation and low-temperature cracking.
• PCB presents a viable route for waste tire valorization in asphalt applications.