We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Compatibility investigation of waste plastics in bitumen via a molecular dynamics method
Summary
Researchers used molecular dynamics simulations to assess how well waste plastics — PVC, polypropylene, and polyethylene — mix with bitumen at different temperatures, finding PVC and PP were most compatible at higher temperatures and that compatibility ranked PVC > PE > PP.
The compatibility between waste plastic polymers and bitumen is the most challenging issue hindering the improvement of modified bitumen performance. The current practice of recycled waste plastics includes the use of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), etc. This study was designed to investigate the compatibility of different waste plastic polymers with bitumen binders by conducting molecular dynamics (MD) simulations at different temperatures. The molecular models of these materials were constructed in this study for the compatibility analysis, and they include the base bitumen, polymers (PVC, PP, and PE), polymer- bitumen blending systems. Using the output and related calculations of these MD models, the properties of these blending systems were measured at different temperatures through the calculation of the solubility parameter (δ) and interaction energies. The compatibility analysis is discussed in the context of these simulation results. The simulation results for the solubility parameters and interaction energies show consistent trends. The results showed that PVC and PP had better compatibility with bitumen at 433.15 K and that PE and bitumen had good compatibility at 393.15 K. Moreover, it can be deduced that the order of compatibility of the three polymers with bitumen is as follows: PVC > PE > PP. In addition, these research results can be referenced for the industry and research development of modified bitumen.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Microscopic Properties of Asphalt and Polyethylene at an Extraordinary High Dosage through Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Molecular dynamics simulations were used to explore how adding waste polyethylene at high doses (20% by weight) changes the properties of asphalt, a potential strategy for recycling plastic waste in road construction. The results showed modest density reductions and that compatibility between asphalt and polyethylene depends strongly on PE chain structure, offering molecular-level guidance for designing plastic-modified pavements that repurpose waste plastic.
Optimization of Asphalt Concrete Performance Using Waste Plastic Bottles (WPB) as a Sustainable Bitumen Modifier: A Comprehensive Rheological and Mechanical Assessment
Not relevant to microplastics — this study evaluates waste plastic bottles as a bitumen modifier to improve asphalt road performance, testing mechanical and thermal properties; it addresses plastic reuse in construction rather than environmental microplastic pollution.
Investigation of the rheological properties of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) modified bitumens using two plastic wastes
Researchers modified road bitumen with low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic waste to improve its performance characteristics. The LDPE-modified bitumen showed improved rheological properties, demonstrating a practical use for plastic waste in road construction that could divert it from landfills and waterways.
Composition Optimisation of Selected Waste Polymer-Modified Bitumen
This study examined how recycled polypropylene and polyethylene plastomers can be blended into bitumen for road paving, evaluating how mixing conditions affect the properties of the modified asphalt.
Effects of the Mixing Process on the Rheological Properties of Waste PET-Modified Bitumen
Researchers analysed the rheological properties of waste PET-modified bitumen prepared under different mixing process conditions using a D-optimal factorial design with five experimental factors. The study identified how mixing temperature, time, and PET content interact to influence the viscoelastic behaviour and performance characteristics of the modified bitumen.