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Characterization of Asphalt Binder Properties Modified with One-Time Use Masks: Zero Shear Viscosity, Fatigue Life,
Alaaeldin A A Abdelmagid1, Guanghui Jin2, Guocan Chen1
1School of Civil Engineering, Quanzhou University of Information Engineering, Quanzhou 362000, China.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|November 13, 2025
Summary
This study explores using shredded one-time use masks (OUM) as an asphalt modifier. OUM significantly improves high-temperature performance and fatigue life in asphalt, offering a sustainable waste valorization solution for pavement construction.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Civil Engineering
- Environmental Science
Background:
- One-time use masks (OUM) generate significant polymer waste, challenging circular economy principles.
- The pavement industry seeks advanced modifiers to improve asphalt binder durability and lifespan.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of shredded OUM as a polymer modifier for asphalt binders.
- To evaluate the impact of OUM on asphalt's chemical, rheological, and performance characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to analyze chemical modifications.
- Rheological assessments, including Zero-Shear Viscosity (ZSV) measurements.
- Linear Amplitude Sweep (LAS) tests to evaluate fatigue life and low-temperature properties.
Main Results:
- OUM addition resulted in a physical blending process, forming a stable reinforcing network.
- High-temperature performance significantly improved, with ZSV increasing by nearly 700% at 10% OUM.
- Fatigue life improved by up to 168%, but low-temperature properties (creep stiffness and m-value) were negatively impacted.
Conclusions:
- Shredded OUM is an effective modifier for enhancing asphalt's high-temperature and fatigue performance.
- Up to 10% OUM content is viable, presenting a promising circular economy approach for waste valorization.
- This research offers a pathway to transform mask waste into a valuable resource for sustainable pavement infrastructure.
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