Modification of bitumen by electron beam irradiated recycled low density polyethylene

摘要

This paper describe the modification of bitumen with electron irradiated recycled low density polyethylene (e-LDPE_R). Electron beam irradiation was applied to recycled LDPE (LDPE_R) to provide formation of free radicals and some functional groups that may contribute to creation of strong chemical bonds between polymer modifier and bitumen. Five binders having different e-LDPE_R polymer content of 1%, 3%, 5%, 7% and 9% were prepared. The effects of the e-LDPE_R on bitumen were investigated by means of morphological, chemical and physical testing program, including Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) conventional tests, rolling thin film oven (RTFOT), rotational viscosity (RV), dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) tests. Based on the results, it can be noted that e-LDPE_R modification provides an improved fundamental rhe-ological properties of bitumen.