Rheological and Performance Properties of a Bituminous Binder Modified with Date Kernel Powder

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Civil Engineering
• Sustainable Materials

Background:

• Bituminous binders are crucial in road construction.
• There is a growing need for sustainable and cost-effective binder modifiers.
• Date kernel powder (DKP) presents a potential biomass-based alternative.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the feasibility of using date kernel powder (DKP) as a sustainable modifier for bituminous binders.
• To evaluate the impact of DKP on the physicochemical, rheological, and performance properties of bituminous binders.

Main Methods:

• DKP was incorporated into bituminous binders at varying percentages (5-20 wt.%).
• Physicochemical properties were analyzed using SEM, XRD, and FTIR.
• Rheological and performance tests included RV, DSR, BBR, and LAS testing.
• Performance grading (PG) was determined for all modified binders.

Main Results:

• DKP incorporation increased binder stiffness and reduced temperature susceptibility.
• A 15% DKP content improved high-temperature PG from 64 to 70 and low-temperature PG from -22 to -34.
• Fatigue life was maintained or improved at intermediate temperatures, with 15% DKP showing the best balance.
• Higher DKP content led to increased stiffness.

Conclusions:

• Date kernel powder (DKP) is a promising sustainable modifier for bituminous binders at the binder level.
• DKP enhances binder performance, particularly at 15% content, offering improved temperature resistance and balanced fatigue behavior.
• Further research on mixture and field scales is recommended to validate long-term engineering applicability.