Formulation Optimization, Multi-Component Compounding Mechanisms, and Regeneration Insights of a Waste Vegetable...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Civil Engineering
• Sustainable Chemistry

Background:

• Waste vegetable oil-based regenerants (WVO-Rs) are crucial for sustainable asphalt pavements.
• Existing WVO-R formulation optimization lacks comprehensive frameworks, obscuring component synergy and regeneration mechanisms.
• Understanding molecular interactions is key to improving WVO-R effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To optimize WVO-R formulation using Response Surface Methodology.
• To evaluate regeneration effectiveness, thermal behavior, and molecular mechanisms of WVO-Rs.
• To establish a systematic framework for designing bio-based bitumen regenerants.

Main Methods:

• Response Surface Methodology for WVO-R formulation optimization.
• Multi-scale performance tests (rheological, interfacial water stability).
• Quantum chemical calculations for molecular mechanism elucidation.

Main Results:

• An optimized WVO-R formulation (WVO:DBP:CPR:SCA:ATO = 100:23.6:14.4:1.7:1) was identified.
• Optimal regeneration achieved at 6-8% dosage, showing excellent thermal, storage stability, and uniform mixing.
• Molecular analysis revealed synergistic interactions and WVO-R's ability to restore aged asphaltene properties.

Conclusions:

• The developed framework integrating multi-temperature performance and water stability offers superior engineering applicability.
• WVO-Rs form stable molecular aggregates and synergistically interact with bitumen components.
• This study provides a robust foundation for the efficient design and application of bio-based bitumen regenerants.