Effect of waste plastic polyethylene terephthalate on properties of asphalt cement

There are numerous environmental and performance benefits to modifying asphalt binders. The wet mixing method was used to add waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) to asphalt binder (60/70 grade) in this study. By volume of binder, five different percentages of waste PET were used (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%). Several laboratory tests were conducted on waste PET modified asphalt binder to study the effect of the modification on the physical properties of asphalt. On the waste PET modified asphalt binder, conventional asphalt binder tests (penetration, ductility, softening point, flash and fire point, and unit weight) as well as Superpave tests which include performance grading (PG) (rotational viscosity, dynamic shear rheometer, and bending beam rheometer) were conducted. The penetration, softening point, flash and fire points, and unit weight of the waste PET modified asphalt were all improved. Also, the dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) test results showed that the asphalt-waste PET binders have enhanced rutting resistance. Furthermore, using this research as an alternative recycling method for PET bottles has significant environmental benefits, and the process can be considered feasible and viable.