Effects of waste PVC addition on the properties of (40-50) grade asphalt

Abstract

Disposal of plastic waste poses a serious threat nowadays. Effective solutions are required to reduce or eliminate this problem. One of these solutions is to use these materials in asphalt mixtures. PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride) during melting has adhesive properties which can be used with asphalt to reduce the bitumen mixture costs. Investigation of physical characteristics of asphalt cement (40-50) mixed with PVC is presented in this paper. The main objective is to study the change in bitumen properties after mixing with PVC of percent (2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12 and 15) % by weight of bitumen. Penetration, ductility, loss on heating, softening point, flash and fire tests were conducted for each percent. It is concluded that penetration decreases by 62.8% on addition of 15% PVC. Ductility also drops when PVC dosage increases. Softening point increases when PVC dosage increases by 6 % for 15% PVC.