Title: New routes for roads: using recycled greenhouse films to modify bitumens

Authors: O. Gonzalez, M.E. Munoz, A. Santamaria, M. Garcia-Morales, F.J. Navarro, P. Partal

Addresses: Faculty of Chemistry, Polymer Science and Technology Department and Polymer Institute POLYMAT, University of the Basque Country, P.O. Box 1072, E-20080 San Sebastian, Spain. ' Faculty of Chemistry, Polymer Science and Technology Department and Polymer Institute POLYMAT, University of the Basque Country, P.O. Box 1072, E-20080 San Sebastian, Spain. ' Faculty of Chemistry, Polymer Science and Technology Department and Polymer Institute POLYMAT, University of the Basque Country, P.O. Box 1072, E-20080 San Sebastian, Spain. ' Faculty of Experimental Science, Chemical Engineering Department, University of Huelva, Campus Universitario del Carmen 21071, Huelva, Spain. ' Faculty of Experimental Science, Chemical Engineering Department, University of Huelva, Campus Universitario del Carmen 21071, Huelva, Spain. ' Faculty of Experimental Science, Chemical Engineering Department, University of Huelva, Campus Universitario del Carmen 21071, Huelva, Spain

Abstract: Four recycled greenhouse films made of low density polyethylene and EVA copolymer, are mixed with 60–70 penetration grade bitumen. The goal is to improve the viscoelastic properties of bitumen used as a binder in road pavement, contributing to an environment improvement by reducing plastic waste. It is observed that a reasonable stability and a satisfactory upgrading face to rutting defect at high temperatures, can be achieved. The presence of a low amount of carbon black in two of the films does not alter the results. The content of film in bitumen/film blends is limited by stability problems (coalescence and creaming), as well as lack of flow capacity for pumping and mixing.

Keywords: greenhouse films; plastic films; recycled polyethylene; EVA copolymer; modified bitumen; road pavement; rutting; recycling; environmental technology; viscoelastic properties; waste reduction; plastic waste; coalescence; creaming; flow capacity; pumping; mixing; road surfaces.

DOI: 10.1504/IJETM.2007.013246

International Journal of Environmental Technology and Management, 2007 Vol.7 No.1/2, pp.218 - 227

Published online: 13 Apr 2007 *

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