Projects / Programmes
Improving performance and environmentally friendly production of asphalt by optimizing the addition of secondary raw materials in asphalt mixtures.
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 1.04.00 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Chemistry |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| P003 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Chemistry |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 1.04 |
Natural Sciences |
Chemical sciences |
asphalt mix, recipe, optimization, building-in waste material, ecologic technology, energy saving, recycling, sustainable growth
Researchers (12)
Organisations (3)
Abstract
PMMA/ATH composite dust is the waste material in the production of PMMA/ATH composite material (Kerrock). Our research is to investigate how to use the dust as additive in production of asphalt mixtures. The main goal of our research is to make a new product, i.e., a new asphalt mixture using the PMMA/ATH composite dust.
The aim of research is to introduce the use of PMMA/ATH dust as additive to filler in asphalt mixtures. In preliminary investigations we found that the addition of such dust even improve the quality of the asphalt layers, Further research will include optimization of asphalt production, where we intend to determine the optimal ratio of filler and PMMA/ATH dust to achieved good mechanical properties of asphalt layer, which will not require significant additional investment in the stage of industrial production of these asphalt mixtures. We will provide a risk assessment for chemicals, which are involved in production of the product.
Laboratory will prepare at least 20 different asphalt mixtures containing PMMA/ATH dust. For the analysis of asphalt mixtures, we use standard methods (EN 12697-1, 2, 24, 26, 30, 34, 41, 43, and 46). To reduce the use of solvents for the content of bitumen determination we will introduced the method of incineration SIST EN 12697-39.
For at least 4 different type of asphalt mixtures industrial production will be carried out, which means that we will produce around 240 tones of asphalt mixtures, and lay them in a field test (normal road). The behavior of test fields in different weather conditions such as low temperature and precipitation will be observed a longer period (1-10 years).
In the second phase we will add PMMA/ATH dust directly to the bitumen and try to determine if the PMMA/ATH dust modified bitumen has similar properties as bitumen modified with other commercial additives. With the preliminary investigations we found good compatibility of bitumen and PMMA/ATH dust so we expect that such modification of bitumen can be commercially successful. Laboratory analyzes of the PMMA/ATH dust and a mixture of bitumen and PMMA/ATH dust will be performed. In order to check the impact of PMMA/ATH dust on the bitumen we will conduct an analysis of mixtures with different content of PMMA/ATH dust in the bitumen (e.g., 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30%) and determine the properties of these mixtures with the following tests: (i) Softening point according to ring and ball method, (ii) Needle penetration, (iii) Fraass breaking point, (iv) Tensile properties of modified bitumen with the method of determining the forces in measuring the ductility in accordance with the standards of EN 13589 at 10oC and 25oC, (v) Rheological properties with DSR rheometer and observe uniformity of PMMA/ATH dust and (vi) Examination of bitumen mixture with a fluorescent microscope.
To address the human health and environment we will assess the risk for chemicals. We will perform quantitative and qualitative analysis of dust and vapor, which are exhausted by heating of PMMA/ATH dust up to 150oC. From existing data bases (IUCLID, EPA, etc.) we will take the available physico-chemical, eco-toxicological and toxicological data to perform the risk assessment.
We would like to emphasize that the proposed project is relevant for sustainable development and for environmental protection. PMMA/ATH composite dust represents an environmental problem due to its volume and persistency. We propose to use it in asphalt mixtures. Some preliminary studies show that the new asphalt mixture has better physico-chemical properties than the standard ones. As the current storage of waste PMMA/ATH composite powder in a landfill presents a huge environmental problem (high volume and persistance, i.e. low rate of decomposition), incorporating of dust in the new product contributes to sustainable development and environmental protection.
Significance for science
In the frame of the project we have first introduced PMMA/ATH dust as an additive to the filler in asphalt mixtures, and then as an additive in bitumen, both in the laboratory scale. Many standardized and non-standardized tests were performed. On the PMMA/ATH dust modified bitumen rheological tests to determine formation of ruts parameter G*/sin (?) (Pa) were performed. Resistance to the formation of ruts at high temperatures was additionally analysed with repeated measurements of creep and recovery. In doing so, also non-standardized techniques of investigation aging of bitumen were evaluated. It has been found out that a bitumen containing PMMA/ATH is less sensitive to heat and oxidation, and therefore the samples of modified bitumen show improved viscoelastic and physical properties compared to base bitumen at handling and in-service temperatures. With fluorescence microscope mixing of PMMA/ATH dust in the bitumen was proved. Work has also led to further investigations of compaction process of asphalt mixtures according to the European standard EN 12697-10. It was discovered that the model currently in use does not describe the compaction process adequately. We found three relevant mathematical models. The third model, composed from two parts as real compaction process, was selected as the best. This work will further lead to the modification of European standard EN 12697-10. To evaluate the results of the project we have written 8 articles in scientific journals with IF and acquired two Slovenian patent and registered international PCT patent. At scientific conferences we had 8 presentations on this topic. PMMA/ATH dust modified bitumen was also main topics of doctoral work of Ema Šušteršič.
Significance for the country
In 2012 more than 1,000 tons of asphalt containing PMMA/ATH composite dust as an additive to the filler was produced and built in. Due to problems with clogging of dust in the production phase, we introduced the PMM /ATH composite dust as a bitumen modifier. In 2013 more than 500 tons of asphalt containing PMMA/ATH composite dust as a modifier of bitumen was produced and built in. With the addition of PMMA/ATH in asphalt layers durability and resistance to the formation of permanent deformations were improved. To promote the use of PMMA / ATH asphalt we have written 6 articles in Slovenian professional journals and 3 articles in popular journals. Also on the Slovenian scientific and professional conferences we had 6 delivered lectures on this topic. Kolpa d.d. in collaboration with the Institute of Chemistry started marketing a product called Kerovit@, which is basically a bag packed PMMA/ATH composite dust. Kolpa d.d. has signed a licence agreement with the Institute of Chemistry of the use of patents for the preparation of asphalt with Kerovit@. In 2014, the National Institute of Chemistry prepared the necessary documentation for addition Kerovit@ (PMMA / ATH dust) into the bitumen and filler. We prepared the technical data sheet, brochure and safety data sheets. New product, which was previously waste currently Kolpa d.d. offers on the market as an additive to improve the asphalt.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2011,
2012,
2013,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2011,
2012,
2013,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
