Modification of Petroleum Bitumen with Secondary Polyethylene in the Presence of Vermiculite

Syrmanova Kulash (Mukhtar Auezov South Kazakhstan University, Tauke Khan Avenue 5, Shymkent 160012, Republic of Kazakhstan Miras University, Sapak Datka str. 2, Shymkent 160002, Republic of Kazakhstan)
Kaldybekova Zhanat (Mukhtar Auezov South Kazakhstan University, Tauke Khan Avenue 5, Shymkent 160012, Republic of Kazakhstan)
Agabekova Aktolkyn (Khoja Ahmed Yasawi International Kazakh Turkish University, B. Sattarchanov str. 29, Turkestan 161200, Republic of Kazakhstan)
Baizhanova Sholpan (Mukhtar Auezov South Kazakhstan University, Tauke Khan Avenue 5, Shymkent 160012, Republic of Kazakhstan)
Tuleuov Rassul (Mukhtar Auezov South Kazakhstan University, Tauke Khan Avenue 5, Shymkent 160012, Republic of Kazakhstan)
Khaldun Al Azzam (Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan)
El-Sayed Negim (School of Materials Science and Green Technologies, Kazakh-British Technical University, St. Tole bi, 59, Almaty 050000, Kazakhstan School of Petroleum Engineering, Satbayev University, 22 Satpayev Street, Almaty 050013, Kazakhstan)
Bounoua Nadia (Normal Higher School of Bechar, Department of Exact Sciences, Laboratory of the Innovation Sponsorship and the Emerging Institution for Graduates of Higher Education of Sustainable Development and Dealing with Emerging Conditions, Bechar 8000, Algeri)

Indonesian Journal of Chemistry
Vol 24, No 2 (2024)

This article presents studies on the modification of petroleum bitumen with polymer waste in the presence of vermiculite. An increase in temperature leads to an increase in the interaction of components, partial breakage of polyethylene and bitumen macromolecules, and the formation of radical-free valences. As a result, fragments of polyethylene and bitumen molecules react with each other, and the formation of qualitatively new structural formations occurs via the strong connection of polar and amorphous bitumen with nonpolar structurally viscous polyethylene. Domestically produced Kulantau vermiculite was used to ensure stable adhesion over a wide temperature range and increase the specific surface area, which acquired additional energy, resulting in an increase in the degree of adhesion to bitumen and increased durability of the binder with improved rheological characteristics. Because of the increased service life of road asphalt pavements, the use of the latter results in a considerable decrease in the cost of polymer-bitumen binders. Based on improved binder formulations, asphalt concrete exhibits excellent water resistance and strength at 50 °C (4.7 to 5.0 MPa). In summary, the modification of bitumen with polymer waste and vermiculite offers a promising avenue for improving the performance and longevity of asphalt pavements.