MPC
Project Details

Title:	Electrospun Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate Microfibers as an Asphalt Binder Modifier
Principal Investigators:	Rouzbeh Ghabchi and Nadim Wehbe
University:	South Dakota State University
Status:	Active
Year:	2021
Grant #:	69A3551747108 (FAST Act)
Project #:	MPC-664
RiP #:	01781662
RH Display ID:	159527
Keywords:	bituminous binders, cracking, elasticity (mechanics), nondestructive tests, plastics, recycled materials

Abstract

More than 8.8 billion Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) bottles end up in landfills, annually. High elasticity, stable polymer backbone, and hydrophobicity make PET a strong candidate for being recycled in asphalt mixes. In absence of an effective method for recycling PET in asphalt, this study seeks to address environmental concerns related to PET waste and overcome technical challenges of recycling PET in asphalt mixes while improving their mechanical properties. Therefore, PET microfibers will be produced in the laboratory from waste plastic by using electrospinning technique. Different amounts of Electrospun PET Microfiber (EPM) will be incorporated in asphalt binders and their effect on the rheological, mechanical, and adhesion properties of asphalt binders will be studied. Additionally, effects of using EPM-modified asphalt binders in mixes on their cracking, elastic modulus, rutting, and stripping properties will be evaluated. Finally, feasibility of using resonant frequency test, as a quick and non-destructive technique, for indirect measurement of elasticity and crack detection in EPM-modified asphalt mixes will be studied. This study is expected to introduce a novel approach for recycling waste PET in asphalt mixes which in turn addresses an important environmental challenge while improving the sustainability and performance of asphalt pavements and ground transportation system.

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