Feasibility of using bio-oil from biodiesel production for bio-bitumen creation

Bio-oil resulting from biodiesel production, currently used for energetic valorisation, can be added to the bitumen, producing a bio-bitumen and acting as a bitumen extender by reducing its viscosity. Thus, this paper analyzes the feasibility of using bio-oil to create bio-bitumen. Two base bitumen were used, namely, 0/10 and 35/50 pen bitumen, combined with bio-oil from biodiesel production content of up to 10%. Bio-bitumen characterisation evaluated the chemical, physical and mechanical properties of the bio-bitumen and asphalt mixtures with bio-bitumen. Models for the prediction of bio-bitumen properties were developed. The results obtained in this work confirm that bio-oil from biodiesel production can be added to bitumen, obtaining a sustainable destination for this residue from biodiesel production, proven by the physical and mechanical behaviour obtained for the bio-bitumens and asphalt mixtures with bio-bitumen compatible with base bitumen and asphalt mixtures with conventional binders.