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Functionalized recycled polyethylene for asphalt modification: Performance enhancement and interfacial mechanisms
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Scientists found a way to turn old plastic bottles into a better road-paving material by chemically treating the plastic so it bonds more strongly with asphalt. This matters because it could keep more plastic waste out of landfills and oceans, potentially reducing the plastic pollution that breaks down into microplastics in our environment and water supply.
Abstract Abstract：Recycled polyethylene (r‑PE) is a promising recycled polymer modifier for asphalt, yet its inherent non‑polar property leads to poor interfacial compatibility with asphalt matrix, triggering phase separation, particle agglomeration and degraded low‑temperature cracking resistance. In this work, waste high‑density polyethylene plastic bottles were adopted as raw material, and two functionalized r‑PE modifiers bearing ester (‑COOR) and carboxyl (‑COOH) groups were synthesized through melt‑grafting. Modified asphalt specimens with modifier dosages ranging from 1% to 5% were prepared by high‑speed shearing with 70# base asphalt. Conventional performance tests, storage stability evaluation, dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) tests, FTIR and SEM micro‑characterization were carried out. Combined with matrix‑based multiple regression and quantum‑chemical molecular simulation, this study quantitatively separated the weighting effects of functional‑group type and modifier dosage, and comparatively revealed the interfacial modification mechanisms. The results demonstrate that functionalization significantly enhances the interfacial interaction between r‑PE and asphalt, and r‑PE‑COOH achieves better overall performance. At the optimal dosage of 3% (under the experimental conditions of this study), r‑PE‑COOH‑modified asphalt has a 5℃ ductility of 32.0 cm, which is 18.5% higher than r‑PE‑COOR modified asphalt and 47.5% higher than unfunctionalized r‑PE modified asphalt. Within the dosage range of 1%‑5%, r‑PE‑COOH‑modified asphalt maintains a softening‑point difference below 2.1℃ and exhibits superior rutting resistance according to rheological tests. Regression analysis identifies modifier dosage as the dominant factor governing rheological properties, whereas functional‑group type exerts a secondary influence. Microscopic and simulation results indicate that r‑PE‑COOH forms stable cross‑linked networks via esterification reaction with polar components in asphalt, while r‑PE‑COOR mainly interacts through physical adsorption. Both modifiers construct the dual “cross‑linked network‑particle anchoring” structure to improve compatibility. This study provides theoretical support for the molecular design of sustainable recycled‑polymer asphalt modifiers.
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Scientists found a way to recycle plastic waste (polypropylene, like what's in bottle caps and containers) into road pavement more safely by choosing asphalt types that blend better with the plastic. When the plastic and asphalt mix well together, the roads release nearly 10% fewer harmful fumes and shed about half as many microplastic particles into the environment — meaning the air we breathe and the water we drink near these roads could stay cleaner. This matters because as more roads use recycled plastic to cut down landfill waste, this research helps ensure that solution doesn't create new pollution problems.
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