Partial Replacement of bitumen by Plant Polymer Lignin in Bituminous Pavement

Abstract

Lignin is the second-largest plant polymer on Earth after cellulose. About 98% of lignin produced in the papermaking and pulping industry is used for combustion or power generation. Less than 2% of lignin is used in more valuable fields, mainly in the formulation of dispersants, adhesives, and surfactants. Asphalt is one of the most important materials in pavement engineering. It is a dark brown complex mixture composed of hydrocarbons with different molecular weights and their non-metallic derivatives which is extracted from crude oil. Because the chemical structure of lignin is similar to that of asphalt, it is a carbon-based hydrocarbon material. The high cost and the environmental impact associated with using petroleum bitumen in pavement construction is a problem facing the asphalt industry. In this study partial replacement of bitumen by lignin is done, and various physical properties like penetration, ductility and softening point are done to find its optimum replacement value. Later to measure the maximum load and flow rate of lignin modified asphalt specimen Marshall Test is done and to study about its rheological properties of the asphalt binder Dynamic Shear Rheometer Test (DSR) is performed. These tests are performed to confirm the properties and to provide a sustainable solution in the coming future.