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Waste Plastic to Roads – HDPE-modified Bitumen and PET Plastic Fibres for Road Maintenance in South Africa: A Review

Waste Management & Research The Journal for a Sustainable Circular Economy 2024 8 citations ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count. Score: 45 ? 0–100 AI score estimating relevance to the microplastics field. Papers below 30 are filtered from public browse.
Demiss Belachew Asteray, Walied A. Elsaigh

Summary

This study evaluated waste plastic incorporation into road materials, testing HDPE-modified bitumen and PET plastic fibers as road material additives and assessing mechanical performance and durability compared to conventional asphalt.

This review article provides a comprehensive analysis of the transformative potential of waste plastic in South Africa, with a specific focus on high-density polyethylene-modified bitumen and polyethylene terephthalate plastic fibres asphalt. The review encompasses a wide range of topics, including the environmental and socio-economic impacts of plastic waste, the current state of plastic waste management practices in South Africa, and the potential use of waste plastic in road construction. The aim is to critically evaluate the compatibility of recycled waste plastics as bitumen modifiers and fibre to enhance road performance. Additionally, it explores the challenges and opportunities associated with the incorporation of waste plastic in road construction, shedding light on the environmental, economic and technological aspects. The review also emphasizes the need for targeted interventions and collaborative efforts from the South African government and industry stakeholders to address plastic waste management challenges and promote sustainable infrastructure development. Overall, this review provides valuable insights into the transformative potential of waste plastic in South African road maintenance and offers a roadmap for future research and initiatives in this critical area of sustainable development.

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