WASTE POLYCARBONATE DERIVED PYROLYTIC OIL AS POTENTIAL BITUMEN REJUVENATOR
Abstract
Increasing the use of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) is a key objective in sustainable pavement engineering; however, high RAP contents often lead to performance degradation due to the aged and brittle binder. Rejuvenators are therefore required in the production of new asphalt mixes with high RAP content to restore binder properties. Meanwhile, incineration remains a common end-of-life option for plastic waste, which conflicts with zero-waste and carbon neutrality principles. Pyrolysis offers a sustainable alternative to incineration by a thermal conversion of plastic waste into oils that can act as bitumen rejuvenators, enabling the use of higher RAP content in new asphalt mix production. This study investigates pyrolytic oil derived from waste polycarbonate as a rejuvenator for aged bitumen. The experimental programme includes oil characterization, compatibility evaluation, and assessment of its effects on the mechanical, rheological, and chemical properties of aged binder. Results demonstrate that polycarbonate-derived pyrolytic oil is a promising rejuvenator for aged bitumen, enabling the useful utilization of waste polycarbonate and the use of higher RAP content in new asphalt mix production, thus supporting circular economy goals and plastic waste reduction.
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