Characterisation of modified asphalt mixtures with lignin of pinus and eucalyptus woods

ABSTRACT

Lignin is a natural polymer that has antioxidant properties. However, a supplied lignin’s physical, chemical, and rheological behaviour will differ from the source. Thus, the objective of this work was to investigate the mechanical performance of asphalt mixtures produced with asphalt binders modified by lignins at the contents of 0, 3, 6, and 9%, from pinus and eucalyptus sawdust. The mixtures were evaluated by performing the Splitting Tensile Strength Test, Lottman, Resilient Modulus, and Dynamic Modulus. The results pointed to lignin, both tested, as a good natural polymer due to the increase in resilience of the asphalt mixtures and reduction of susceptibility to moisture for the proposed contents. Therefore, it is suitable for field use. Lignin can be identified as a residual modifier that can provide longer service life to asphalt coatings, presenting itself as an alternative modifier to the synthetic elastomeric polymers. The addition of 3% pinus lignin presented the best mechanical performance, followed by the addition of 9% eucalyptus lignin.

KEYWORDS:

• Asphalt mixtures
• polymer
• lignin
• modification
• resilient modulus
• waste

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data Availability Statement

All data, models, and code generated or used during the study appear in the submitted article. All authors contributed to the study conception and design. The authors have no relevant financial interests to disclose, just as there is no conflict of interest to declare that they are relevant to the content of this article. All authors certify that they have no affiliation or involvement with any organization or entity with any financial interest in the subject or materials discussed in this manuscript.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ana Maria Gonçalves Duarte Mendonça

Ana Maria Gonçalves Duarte Mendonça: Graduated with Full Licentiate in Chemistry; Master's in Materials Science and Engineering; Master's in Chemistry - Inorganic Chemistry; Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering; Ph.D. in Process Engineering.

Osires de Medeiros Melo Neto

Osires de Medeiros Melo Neto: Civil Engineer, Specialist in Geotechnics, Master in Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Ph.D. Student in Civil and Environmental Engineering.

John Kennedy Guedes Rodrigues

John Kennedy Guedes Rodrigues: Civil Engineer, Master in Civil and Environmental Engineering, Doctor in Transport Engineering, and Associate Professor of the Civil Engineering Course.

Robson Kel Batista de Lima

Robson Kel Batista de Lima: Civil Engineer and Master's Student in Civil and Environmental Engineering.

Ingridy Minervina Silva

Ingridy Minervina Silva: Civil Engineer and Master's Student in Civil and Environmental Engineering.

Agilio Tomaz Marques

Agilio Tomaz Marques: Lawyer, Master in Agroindustrial Systems, and Ph.D. Student in Process Engineering.