Reuse of Waste Plastics Coated Aggregates-Bitumen Mix Composite For Road Application – Green Method

摘要

Waste plastics both by domestic and industrial sectors can be used in the production of asphalt mix. Waste plastics, mainly used for packing are made up of Polyethylene Polypropylene polystyrene. Their softening varies between 110 o C – 140 0 C and they do not produce any toxic gases during heating but the softened plastics have tendency to form a film like structure over the aggregate, when it is sprayed over the hot aggregate at 160 0 C. The Plastics Coated Aggregates (PCA) is a better raw material for the construction of flexible pavement. PCA was then mixed with hot bitumen of different types and the mixes were used for road construction. PCA - Bitumen mix showed improved binding property and less wetting property. The sample showed higher Marshall Stability value in the range of 18-20KN and the load bearing capacity of the road is increased by 100%. The roads laid since 2002 using PCA-Bitumen mixes are performing well. A detailed study on the performances of these roads shows that the constructed with PCA –Bitumen mix are performing well. This process is eco-friendly and economical too.