Abstract:
Bitumen blends were prepared for road applications by the introduction of 9wt% waste Polyethylene, PE bags in the molten state. The relaxation stress, relaxation and retardation spectrum and viscosity of bitumen blends were studied. At different temperatures and compared to those of the original pure bitumen. These properties were tested using an ARES- Rheometer (Rheometric Scientific, Co.) equipment. The measurements were performed in the dynamic mode, plate-plate geometry of 8 mm diameter over the temperature range from -10 to 60°C and angular frequency, varied from 10-1 to 102 radian/s. The relaxation stress and viscosity were modified by the addition of waste PE. The results also evidence that the incorporation of the waste PE enhances stability of the bitumen blends As a consequence, the use of waste PE bags can be considered a suitable alternative from both environmental and economical points of view. Bitumens containing several polymer concentrations have been studied.
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