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Influence of COVID-19 Face Mask Additives on the High-Temperature and Fatigue Performance of Asphalt Binder
Summary
This engineering study tested whether shredded disposable face masks could be used as additives in road asphalt. Adding 5% mask material modestly improved fatigue life, but higher percentages reduced it, suggesting limited but possible applications for recycling mask waste into road materials.
In order to alleviate the environmental impact of mask waste, 5%, 10%, and 15% shredded face masks (SFM) were added to 70# base asphalt, respectively, and the feasibility of applying masks in asphalt modification was evaluated by temperature sweep, frequency sweep, MSCR, and time scan tests. The complex modulus, rutting factor, and average percent recovery were all improved by SFM modification, while the non-recoverable creep compliance and phase angle were also reduced. Effective enhancements were made to resistance to rutting and creeping. Additionally, 5% SFM-modified asphalt had a 5.4% increment in fatigue life compared to the original binder, whereas 10% and 15% SFM-modified asphalt had a decrease in fatigue life of 11.5% and 29.0%, respectively. The test results provide a reference for the engineering application of waste mask modified asphalt and have potential environmental benefits.
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