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Rheological and Mechanical Characterization of Asphalt Binder Modified with Plastic Waste Polymers
Yerzhan Imanbayev1, Yerdos Ongarbayev1,2, Ainur Zhambolova1
1Institute of Combustion Problems, Almaty 050012, Kazakhstan.
Polymers
|July 15, 2026
Summary
Recycled plastic waste effectively enhances asphalt binder performance, improving road durability against cracking and rutting. This sustainable approach offers a cost-effective solution for road construction, especially in demanding climates.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Civil Engineering
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Asphalt concrete pavements face premature failure from low-temperature cracking and rutting.
- High costs of commercial polymers limit their use in modifying bitumen for improved pavement performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the use of recycled plastic waste as a cost-effective modifier for asphalt binders.
- To enhance the mechanical properties and durability of asphalt concrete pavements.
Main Methods:
- Incorporation of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) waste into asphalt binders.
- Evaluation of binder properties including rutting resistance, rigidity, deformation resistance, elastic modulus, and temperature stability.
- Assessment of synergistic effects with styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) and comparison with Kazakhstan regulatory standards.
Main Results:
- Optimal plastic waste content (1.0-1.5%) significantly improves rutting resistance and binder rigidity.
- 1.5% LDPE and HDPE enhance deformation resistance, elastic modulus, and temperature stability.
- Combined use with SBS shows synergistic effects, exceeding Kazakhstan standards by over 25%.
Conclusions:
- Recycled plastic waste, particularly LDPE and HDPE, is a viable and sustainable modifier for asphalt binders.
- This approach offers a cost-effective solution to improve pavement durability and promote plastic waste recycling.
- The modified asphalt concrete demonstrates enhanced performance under challenging climatic and traffic conditions.
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