Laboratory Evaluation Of PE, PP, And SBS Polymers As Bitumen Modifiers

Abstract

Reactive polymers, such as PE, PP, and SBS, cause a chemical reaction between the polymer and the Bitumen, which can be advantageous for hot-climate asphalt applications. High-density polyethene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), and styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) were used to create elastomeric-modified-bitumen mixes. Modified Bitumen's physical and rheological properties were investigated by containing different polymers percentages (2%, 4%, 6%) into 60/70 Bitumen grade. The results of penetration, flash, fire, softening point, viscosity, elastic recovery and Penetration Index tests revealed an increase in elastic behaviour in modified asphalts, as a result of which material properties suitable for highway construction are obtained. According to the results of physical and rheological tests, the temperature range of asphalt increases by adding polymers and increase the permanent resist deformation as well. Penetration Softening and Elastic recovery tests result in the asphalt modification being elastomeric with good performance at intermediate temperatures stage, especially for the KRG region.

Keywords

• polymer
• modification
• bitumen
• polyethene
• polypropylene
• and styrene butadiene styrene
• physical properties
• rheological tests.