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Improving Bitumen Properties with Chitosan: A Sustainable Approach to Road Construction.
Paolino Caputo1, Cesare Oliviero Rossi1, Pietro Calandra2
1Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technologies, Università della Calabria, Via P. Bucci, Cubo 14/D, 87036 Rende, CS, Italy.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
|March 13, 2025
Summary
Chitosan enhances bitumen for roads, improving thermal stability and resistance to deformation. This natural additive can also slow oxidative aging, potentially extending road pavement lifespan.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
Background:
- Bitumen, a key component in road construction, is susceptible to thermal and oxidative degradation.
- Developing sustainable and effective additives for bitumen is crucial for improving pavement performance and longevity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the use of chitosan, a natural biopolymer, as an additive in bitumen.
- To evaluate the impact of different chitosan types on bitumen's thermal stability and mechanical properties.
- To assess chitosan's potential to mitigate bitumen aging.
Main Methods:
- Incorporation of four types of chitosan (varying in deacetylation degree and molecular weight) into bitumen at different concentrations (1, 3, 6 wt%).
- Mechanical characterization using dynamic shear rheology to assess thermal stability.
- Evaluation of oxidative aging resistance.
Main Results:
- Chitosan addition generally increased the gel-to-sol temperature transition, indicating enhanced resistance to deformation.
- Optimal performance was observed with chitosan of 310,000-375,000 kD molecular weight and ≥75% deacetylation.
- High molecular weight chitosan (>90% deacetylation) significantly slowed bitumen's oxidative aging.
Conclusions:
- Chitosan is a promising additive for modifying bitumen in road construction.
- Specific chitosan types offer improved thermal stability and resistance to deformation.
- Chitosan can enhance bitumen's resistance to oxidative aging, potentially leading to extended pavement life.
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