Recycled Polyethylene Modified Asphalt Binders and Mixtures: Performance Characteristics and Environmental Impact

This study addresses the effects of recycled polyethylene (RPE) on the performances of both asphalt binders and asphalt mixtures. Whether using RPE in an asphalt mixture might leach harmful chemicals into rainwater or melted snow was also determined. Two processes, wet and dry, were used to formulate the RPE modified asphalt binders and mixtures. In the wet process, RPE was added to asphalt binder. In the dry process, it was added to heated aggregates. RPE from two sources and PG 64-22 virgin asphalt binders from two sources were used in this study. In conclusion, RPE improved the rutting resistance of the asphalt binders and asphalt mixtures. However, it had adverse effects on their resistance to intermediate-temperature and non-load associated cracking. The dry process could produce a mixture with a higher RPE dosage compared with the wet process using one virgin asphalt binder but not the other; thus, the virgin asphalt binder source was a significant factor for the dry process. Based on an embryotoxicity test, it was found that RPE can be used by the asphalt paving industry without creating any significant environmental risks.