Enhancing Bitumen Performance Through Recycled Plastic and Geopolymer Modification: A Sustainable Approach
摘要
Utilizing recycled plastic waste materials in road pavements is currently seen as a favorable choice for sustainability and a compelling choice for improving performance. The disposal of substantial amounts of used plastic bags is an environmental issue, as they are classified as non-biodegradable materials. Hence, it is crucial to discover practical applications for the increasing volumes of this garbage. The main contributions include of creating innovative bitumen composites that integrate recycled plastics and geopolymers, improving building methods, and devising techniques to efficiently recycle and repurpose current road materials. The research showcases substantial enhancements in sustainability and cost-effectiveness by combining plastic and geopolymer technology. The current study investigates the possible benefits of adding plastics and geopolymers to bitumen to improve the qualities of the bituminous mixture. The present investigation utilized geopolymer material at different weight percentages (6, 8, and 10%) as an addition in modified bitumen containing plastic. The physical characteristics of these geopolymer-modified bitumen binders were assessed using penetration tests, softening point tests, and elastic recovery tests. A comparative analysis of the binders was conducted to assess their viscosity, which was evaluated using the Brookfield Rotational Viscometer (RV). The modified bitumen exhibited higher viscosity compared to ordinary bitumen. Research indicates that the addition of geopolymer to traditional bitumen enhances its viscosity and overall performance. An extensive laboratory investigation was conducted to assess the impact of various geopolymers on the plastic modified mixture.