Optimised Sunflower Oil Content for Encapsulation by Vibrating Technology as a Rejuvenating Solution for Asphalt...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Civil Engineering
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Long-term aging (LTA) of bitumen significantly degrades asphalt performance.
• Bitumen self-healing is crucial for extending pavement life and reducing maintenance costs.
• Rejuvenators are needed to restore aged bitumen properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the optimal dosage of Virgin Cooking Oil (VCO) as a rejuvenator for asphalt self-healing.
• To evaluate the impact of VCO on aged bitumen's chemical, physical, and rheological properties.
• To assess the performance of alginate-encapsulated VCO for rejuvenating asphalt mixtures.

Main Methods:

• Virgin Cooking Oil (VCO) was encapsulated in alginate biopolymer using vibrating jet technology at various biopolymer:oil (B:O) ratios (1:1, 1:5, 1:9).
• The chemical, physical, and rheological properties of long-term aged (LTA) bitumen treated with different VCO concentrations (1-5% vol.) were analyzed.
• The physical, thermal, and mechanical properties of the VCO capsules and their effect on asphalt mixtures were investigated.

Main Results:

• An optimal VCO content of 4% vol. effectively restored LTA bitumen properties to short-term aging (STA) levels.
• VCO capsules with a 1:5 B:O ratio exhibited good thermal and mechanical stability with high encapsulation efficiency.
• The dosage of VCO capsules required for rejuvenation varied based on the B:O ratio, impacting asphalt mixture bulk density.

Conclusions:

• Virgin Cooking Oil (VCO) is a viable rejuvenator for aged bitumen, significantly improving its properties.
• Alginate encapsulation provides a stable and efficient delivery method for VCO in asphalt applications.
• The study provides optimal VCO dosage and capsule formulation guidelines for asphalt self-healing and pavement longevity.