International Journal of Polymer Science

Volume 2013 (2013), Article ID 141298, 9 pages

http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/141298

Research Article

Effect of Gamma-Irradiated Recycled Low-Density Polyethylene on the High- and Low-Temperature Properties of Bitumen

Perviz Ahmedzade,¹ Alexander Fainleib,² Taylan Günay,³ Olga Starostenko,² and Tetyana Kovalinska⁴

¹Transportation Division, Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey

²Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (NASU), Kyiv, Ukraine

³Department of Civil Engineering, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey

⁴Institute of Nuclear Research of the NASU, Kyiv, Ukraine

Received 29 March 2013; Accepted 3 June 2013

Academic Editor: Gonzalo Martínez-Barrera

Copyright © 2013 Perviz Ahmedzade et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Abstract.

This paper describes polymer modification of bitumen with gamma-irradiated recycled (γ-) low-density polyethylene. The recycled low-density polyethylene () was obtained from greenhouse films exposed to sunlight at least one year. The surface of the was treated by gamma beam irradiation that provided formation of free radicals and some functional groups that may contribute to the creation of strong chemical bonds between polymer modifier and bitumen. Five different samples of bitumen/γ- compositions with the modifier content, wt. %: 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9, were prepared. The effects of the γ- on original and aged bitumen were investigated by means of morphological, chemical, and physical testing program, including FTIR spectroscopy, conventional tests, rotational viscosity (RV), dynamic shear rheometer (DSR), and bending beam rheometer (BBR) tests. Superior performing asphalt pavements (Superpave) specifications were used to analyze mechanical test results as well as to determine the performance grades (PG) of the binders. Optimum usage of the γ- as modifier in bitumen were suggested after testing program. The results reveal the stiffening effect of the γ- on bitumen that provide enhanced temperature susceptibility and also promise better performance grades (PG) with γ- polymer modification.

1. Introduction

The modification of bitumen by means of polymers is the most widespread method in flexible pavement applications. The polymers such as Styrene Butadiene Styrene (SBS), Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) are satisfactorily used to enhance temperature susceptibility by increasing stiffness at high temperature and decreasing stiffness at low temperature [1–4]. In addition to SBS, various polymers are utilized in bituminous materials. Polyolefins such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), and polypropylene (PP) have been used as modifier, for generally to enhance mechanical properties of bitumen [5–8].

On the other hand, using recycled polymers contributes to reducing amount of waste materials; it has many benefits, such as environmental protection, lower energy consumption, and their affordable cost. Therefore, it is fundamental to find an application area for recycled polymers, in order to increase their commercial use [9–11].

The aim of this work is to study the effect of recycled LDPE (LDPER) as modifier on bitumen by means of morphologic, chemical, and mechanical test methods. However, there is no chemical reaction between LDPER and bitumen which results in a two-phase mixture after the preparation of modified bitumen. In order to provide strong polymer/bitumen bonding, surface of the recycled LDPE was activated by using gamma beam irradiation. The surface activation helps to create double bonds (>C=C<) that can interact with bitumen.

The study contains a comprehensive laboratory evaluation of the γ-irradiated recycled LDPE (γ-LDPER) modified bitumen (γ-LDPER/B) in terms of morphology and physical-chemical properties. Fluorescence microscopy has been used to observe morphological changes, while rheological testing have been undertaken by means of dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) and bending beam rheometer (BBR). To understand the influence of γ-irradiation on structure and efficiency of the LDPER recycled LDPE, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy has been performed as well.

2. Experimental

2.1. Materials

The binders were prepared with the type of bitumen having 160/220 penetration grade. Physical properties of the bitumen are given in Table 1. The LDPER used as modifier in bitumen was supplied from Sicily, Italy. The LDPER was obtained from greenhouse films exposed to sunlight, as well as to other external environmental factors for one year. The waste films were washed, dried, cut into the pieces of dimensions  mm, and finally extruded. The chemical composition of the LDPER used was LDPE 65–70%, LLDPE 12–17%, EVA copolymer 12–15%, = 109°C,  MPa, TS = 16 MPa, EB = 500%, MFI190/2.16 = 0,29 g/10 min, and MFI230/2.16 = 0,95 g/10 min.

Table 1: Physical properties of the base bitumen.

Properties
Standard
160/220

Penetration (25°C; 0.1 mm)
ASTM D5
195.5

Softening point (°C)
ASTM D36
38.7

Ductility (25°C; cm)
ASTM D113
103

Penetration index (PI)
—
−0.73

Specific gravity (25°C; gr/)
ASTM D70
1.03

2.2. Gamma Irradiation Activation Method

In order to provide a chemical bonding between bitumen and polymer modifier, gamma irradiation method was applied to the LDPER [12]. Gamma irradiation method is used in several applications such as food processing, cancer treatments, and some sterilization systems. Gamma irradiation is electromagnetic of high frequency and rays are ionizing radiation. It provides a reformed chemical composition of the materials exposed to decay that might contribute to creating strong bonds between polymer modifier and bitumen. The irradiation source was an electron accelerator—complex electric device, where the transition from regimes of treatment with charged particles (electrons) to regimes of treatment with stream of gamma quanta of a wide range of energies is possible. The LDPER granules were γ irradiated with a dose of 20 kGy.

2.3. Preparation of Samples

γ-LDPER granules were obtained as pellet shaped. In order to work with smaller pieces, they were milled by using grinder and the particles were sieved with No 50. The amount of additives was selected as %: 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 by total weight of the binder which is enough to examine the effect of the polymer modified bitumen. High shear mixer was employed for preparing sample. 160/220 penetration grade bitumen was heated for 90 minutes at 163°C and then poured into the mixer flask adjusted to 500 rpm. Subsequently, the γ-LDPER was added to bitumen by portions in 15 minutes at certain intervals and then the mixing rate was increased to 1300 rpm and mixing was continued for 150 minutes. After the end of the mixing process, the samples were removed from the flask, divided into small containers, covered with aluminum foil, and stored for various testing.

The different binders were coded as follows:

(i)base bitumen–“B;”(ii)base bitumen + 1% γ-LDPER −“B-1-γ-LDPER;”(iii)base bitumen + 3% γ-LDPER −“B-3-γ-LDPER;”(iv)base bitumen + 5% γ-LDPER −“B-5-γ-LDPER;”(v)base bitumen + 7% γ-LDPER −“B-7-γ-LDPER;”(vi)base bitumen + 9% γ-LDPER − “B-9-γ-LDPER;”

2.4. Testing Program

2.4.1. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to characterize various functional groups in asphalt and polymer modifier. FTIR spectra were recorded with a Bruker Tensor 27 DTGS spectrometer between 4000 and 450 cm⁻¹ using the attenuated total reflection (ATR) mode. For each spectrum, 32 consecutive scans with a resolution of 4 cm⁻¹ were averaged.

2.4.2. Morphology

In order to determine the grade of the dispersion of the modifier within the bitumen, fluorescent microscopy was used. Florescent microscopy allows researchers to study the morphology of bitumen by using a principle in which polymers become swollen after absorbing some of the constituents of the original bitumen [13].

The method of sample preparation for fluorescent microscopy followed the regular procedure that is consisted of heating, homogenizing, and cooling process. The samples were examined under a Carl Zeiss Primo Star generated from a 40 W halogen lamp and magnify up to 1000X.

2.4.3. Conventional Bitumen Tests

The samples of the base and modified bitumen were subjected to conventional tests that are, namely, penetration (ASTM D5), softening point (ASTM D36), and ductility (ASTM D 113). By using penetration and softening point values, penetration index was calculated for each sample of bitumen to investigate the temperature susceptibility of bitumen. A classical approach related to PI calculation has been given in the Shell Bitumen Handbook [14] as shown in the following equation:

where Pen₂₅ is the penetration at 25°C and SP is the softening point temperature of the unmodified and modified bitumen.

2.4.4. Rotational Viscosity Test

The rotational viscometer determines the bitumen viscosity by measuring the torque necessary to maintain a constant rotational speed of a cylindrical spindle submerged in a bitumen specimen held at a constant temperature, described in AASHTO TP48. Unlike the capillary viscometers used with the viscosity-graded method, the rotational viscometer can evaluate modified bitumen binders. Viscosity of bitumen binders can be measured within the range from 0.01 Pa·s (0.1 poise) to 200 Pa·s (2000 poise) [15]. Though this test, which is one of the Superpave Performance Grade (PG) asphalt binder specification, can be conducted at various temperatures for different purposes, the test performed for Superpave PG asphalt binder specification is always conducted at 275°F (135°C). In order to observe the changes in viscosity at various temperatures, a second viscosity reading is taken generally at 165°C. A Brookfield viscometer (DVRV-II Pro Extra) was used in this study for the viscosity tests of the base and the modified bitumens. Viscosity values were measured at 135°C and 165°C, respectively.

2.4.5. Dynamic Shear Rheometer Test

The most commonly used methods for the fundamental rheological characterization of bitumen are dynamic mechanical methods using oscillatory type testing, generally conducted within the region of linear viscoelastic response by using a dynamic shear rheometer (DSR). In order to characterize the viscoelastic behavior of bitumen binders at intermediate and high service temperatures, DSR is used in Superpave specification providing an indication of the rutting resistance of bitumen immediately following the construction. It is also possible to evaluate the resistance to rutting at high service temperatures in the early stages of pavement life and fatigue cracking at immediate service temperatures in the later stages of service life by DSR [16].

The principal viscoelastic parameters obtained from DSR are the complex shear modulus (G*) and the phase angle (δ). G* is defined as the ratio of maximum (shear) stress to maximum strain, a measure of the total resistance to deformation when the bitumen is subjected to shear loading. The phase difference between stress and strain in an oscillatory test is named as δ, a measure of the viscoelastic balance of the material behavior [17].

In this study, the principal viscoelastic parameters such as G*, δ, rutting parameter (G*/sinδ), and high-temperature performance grades of the base and modified bitumens were determined by DSR test.

2.4.6. Bending Beam Rheometer Test

The bitumen binder plays a critical role in the thermal cracking potential of hot mix asphalt (HMA) pavement. HMA pavements with a high stiffness modulus at low temperatures are susceptible to thermal cracking. Bitumen binders become harder, or stiffer, as the ambient temperature decreases. Given that the stiffness of an HMA pavement is directly proportional to the stiffness of bitumen binder, high stiffness at low temperatures increases the potential of thermal cracking. The bending beam rheometer (BBR) was developed to determine the stiffness of bitumen binders at low service temperatures and to evaluate the potential of the binder for thermal cracking [16].

Creep tests were conducted at −6, −12, and −18°C which are equivalent to −16, −22, and −28°C, respectively, in low temperature performance grade, using a BBR according to ASTM D6648-01. The bitumen beam (125 mm long, 12.5 mm wide, and 6.25 mm thick) was submerged in a constant-temperature bath and kept at the test temperature for 60 min. After preloading procedure, a constant load of 100 g (980 mN) was then applied to the rectangular beam supported at both ends by stainless steel half-rounds (102 mm apart), and the deflection of center point was measured continuously. Creep stiffness (S) and creep rate (m-value) of the binders were determined at several durations of loading ranging from 8 to 240 s [18]. The creep stiffness is an indicator of the specimen’s ability to resist the constant creep load and the creep rate is the rate at which the creep stiffness changes with loading time [16]. For an adequate low-temperature cracking resistance, the creep stiffness must be less than 300 MPa and the m-value must be greater than 0.3 to be in compliance with Superpave specification [19].

3. Results and Discussions

3.1. FTIR Spectroscopy

In Figure 1, the normalized FTIR spectra (the band at  cm⁻¹ has been used as internal standard) of the virgin LDPER and γ-LDPER are shown. As can be seen from Figure 1, there is no significant difference in position and intensity of the main absorption bands at , 1022, 1373, and 1466 cm⁻¹, which are the characteristics for vibrations of C–C and C–H bonds of hydrocarbon chain of virgin LDPE and γ-LDPER. However, the new peaks are additionally observed at , 1175, 1549, and 1657 cm⁻¹ in the spectrum of γ-LDPER accompanied by decreasing intensity of the peaks at 1239 cm⁻¹ and 1739 cm⁻¹. These new peaks evidence formation of unsaturated bonds in macromolecular chains of gamma-irradiated LDPE (the peak with maximum at  cm⁻¹ corresponds to the non-conjugated C=C bond) that is occurred as a result of high-energy action of the gamma-rays on LDPE. At irradiation treatment free radicals appear at breakage of polymer chains, which can then transform to different groups and bonds including formation of double bonds (>C=C<). Certainly, the unsaturated bonds formed in γ-LDPER are reactive towards the unsaturated bonds of bitumen components that provides effective reactive compatibilization of the blends of modifier with bitumen through the chemical reactions of the surface functional groups of the activated polyethylene and the double bonds of the bitumen components. In air, the free radicals formed can react with oxygen forming some oxygen-containing functional groups in polymer structure (e.g., C(O)O– group of organic acids or esters with a maximum around  cm⁻¹ and –C–O–C– bond in ethers with an absorption bands around , 1175). These groups can also contribute to physical-chemical compatibilization of γ-LDPER with bitumen.

Figure 1: The normalized FTIR spectra of the LDPER and γ-LDPER.

3.2. Morphology

The morphology of γ-LDPER modified bitumen was observed with a fluorescent microscope The images given in Figure 2 belong to B-9-γ-LDPER, the highest polymer content among the all binders. The surface images were taken with using different magnification (i.e. 50X, 200X and 500X). Figure 2(a) shows the texture of the modified bitumen in general, whereas Figure 2(c) shows a detailed image on texture and allows observing the phase structure of the modified bitumen. Two major phases that can be clearly seen (Figures 2(a), 2(b), and 2(c)) are a continuous bitumen-rich phase (brown) and a dispersed polymer phase (yellow). Excluding a few greater particles, the main amount of γ-LDPER is mostly ranging from 3 to 10 μm in diameter and is quite well dispersed in bitumen. While modifier particles with a size greater than 30 μm were not seen generally in the modified bitumen samples, it can be said that polymer particles have been swollen by absorbing an amount of the bitumen content. A third phase (mixed phase) can be observed in the image taken at the 500X magnification (Figure 2(c)) formed in interface region obviously due to chemical bonding between bitumen and gamma-irradiated polymer particles.

Figure 2: (a) 50X magnification, (b) 200X magnification, and (c) 500X magnification.

3.3. Conventional Bitumen Test

In order to understand the effect of γ-LDPER additives on physical properties of the bitumen, conventional tests were conducted. The results, including both before and after short-term ageing, are given in Table 2. As can be seen, penetration decreases continuously with increasing amount of γ-LDPER polymer content.

Table 2: Characteristic properties of base and γ-LDPER modified bitumens before and after short-term ageing.

Properties
Binder types

Modified Bitumens

Base
1-γ-LDPER
3-γ-LDPER
5-γ-LDPER
7-γ-LDPER
9-γ-LDPER

Penetration (25°C; 0.1 mm)
195.5
168.8
135
102
83.1
57.2

Softening point (°C)
38.7
42.5
48.4
64.2
60.3
70.5

Ductility (cm) at 25°C
103
92
84
77
69
63

Penetration index (PI)
−0.73
0.23
1.31
1.85
2.54
3.28

After ageing

Change of mass (%)
0.76
0.68
0.65
0.40
0.37
0.35

Penetration (25°C; 0.1 mm)
102
85.6
125
93.8
76.5
52.5

Retained penetration (%)
52
50.7
92.5
91.9
92
92

Softening point (°C)
42.7
45.3
49.5
65.1
61.1
66.5

Change in softening point (°C)
4
2.8
1.1
0.9
0.8
−4

Hence, B-9-γ-LDPER binder has the lowest penetration value with 57.2. Softening point test results support penetration results, as it increases with increasing γ-LDPER polymer content. These physical tests results point out a significant increase in stiffness of the bitumen with increasing amount of the polymer modifier. There is no specification limits for ductility, it is generally expected to be higher than 100 cm. Consequently, decreasing ductility means, binders become more brittle with increasing amount of γ-LDPER modifier.

The PI values increase progressively from −0.73 to 3.28, as modifier content increases that signifies γ-LDPER polymer modified bitumen can be used in a wider temperature range than base bitumen.

The tests performed on aged samples reveal that γ-LDPER additives have a positive effect on ageing properties of bitumen, as mass loss of the bitumen diminishes. Furthermore, the results of all the samples are within the limitation of change of mass (i.e., 1%). After short-term ageing, the retained penetration tends to increase as γ-LDPER content increases which shows that increasing polymer content helps to diminish the effects of ageing on bitumen binders.

3.4. Rotational Viscosity Results

Rotational viscosities performed at 135 and 165°C for base and γ-LDPER modified bitumens are shown in Table 3. For all the samples, mixing and compaction temperatures were determined from the viscosity versus temperature graph given in Figure 3. The results reveal a gradual increase in viscosity with modification. As in the penetration and softening point test, this increasing in viscosity gives a clear indication of the stiffening effect of γ-LDPER modification. Modification indices, which can be calculated as the viscosity of modified bitumen divided by the viscosity of base bitumen, especially have greater values for B-5-γ-LDPER, B-7-γ-LDPER, and B-9-γ-LDPER binders. Calculated mixing and compaction temperatures for the base and modified binders tend to increase continuously. Although there are no viscosity values exceeding the Superpave specifications (i.e., 3000 cP) for both base and modified bitumen, this increase in mixing and compaction temperatures means that the workability of bitumen considerably decreases. Besides, mixing temperature of B-7-γ-LDPER and B-9-γ-LDPER binders reaches 195°C, which can be considered as unfavorable result, because it means that the energy consumption will increase to high levels in applications.

Table 3: Viscosity values of the of base and γ-LDPER modified bitumens.

Binder types
Rotational viscosity (cP)
η modified/η pure
Temperature range (°C)

135°C
165°C
135°C
165°C
Mixing
Compaction

B
202.5
65.5
1
1
135–142
122–128

B-1-γ-LDPER
250
80
1.23
1.22
142–148
129–135

B-3-γ-LDPER
380
122.5
1.88
1.87
152–159
139–145

B-5-γ-LDPER
702.5
208
3.47
3.18
165–171
154–159

B-7-γ-LDPER
798
330
3.94
5.04
187–195
170–177

B-9-γ-LDPER
1286
435
6.35
6.64
189–195
175–181

Figure 3: The mixing-compaction temperatures for the base and γ-LDPER modified bitumens.

3.5. Dynamic Shear Rheometer Test

In this study, high-temperature performances grades of base and modified bitumens were investigated by means of DSR tests. The fundamental rheological parameters for bitumen such as G*, δ, and G*/sinδ were also determined for original and aged samples in this DSR testing program, and the results are given in Table 4 and Figure 4. Table 4 also contains the high-temperature performance grades (PG) calculated with minimum rutting parameter (G*/sinδ) criteria of 1 kPa for original samples and 2.2 kPa for aged samples recommended in Superpave binder specifications. As can be seen, the values of G*, the measure of the total resistance of bitumen against the deformation subjected to the shear stress, increase significantly for both original and aged samples with increasing γ-LDPER modifier content. This result determines that binders become hardened after γ-LDPER modification. Therefore, it can be said that the γ-LDPER modified binders are more durable than original binders against shear stress deformations.

Table 4: DSR test results of the original and aged of base and γ-LDPER modified bitumens.

Binders
Temperature (°C)
G* (KPa)
δ (°)
G*/sin δ (KPa)
Specification limits (Pa)
Performance grading

B
Original
52
4.64
86.6
4.65
≥1000
PG 52-Y

58
1.85
87.4
1.85

64
0.766
88.2
0.767

Aged
52
3.06
87.1
3.07
≥2200

58
1.39
87.2
1.39

B-1-γ-LDPER
Original
52
2.75
80.7
2.78
≥1000
PG 58-Y

58
1.31
77.3
1.35

64
0.702
72.7
0.735

Aged
52
9.47
82.3
9.56
≥2200

58
4.07
84
4.10

64
1.88
84.9
1.89

B-3-γ-LDPER
Original
52
3.60
85.8
3.61
≥1000
PG 58-Y

58
1.66
85.5
1.66

64
0.843
84.3
0.84

Aged
52
10.6
78.7
10.6
≥2200

58
4.66
77.9
4.76

64
2.42
74.7
2.42

70
1.25
71.2
1.32

B-5-γ-LDPER
Original
52
5.36
81.6
5.42
≥1000
PG 64-Y

58
2.47
79.9
2.51

64
1.27
77.1
1.30

70
0.72
73.4
0.75

Aged
52
16.8
80
17.1
≥2200

58
7.07
82.4
7.13

64
3.14
83.7
3.16

70
1.52
84.3
1.53

B-7-γ-LDPER
Original
52
7.69
84.5
7.72
≥1000
PG 64-Y

58
3.34
85.4
3.35

64
1.62
85.4
1.63

70
0.863
84.1
0.868

Aged
52
20.7
77.7
21.2
≥2200

58
9.04
80.2
9.18

64
4.26
81.7
4.30

70
2.13
82.3
2.15

B-9-γ-LDPER
Original
52
10.3
71.9
10.8
≥1000
PG 76-Y

58
5.37
68.4
5.78

64
3.13
64.6
3.47

70
1.99
60.7
2.28

76
1.33
57
1.59

82
0.881
53.4
1.10

Aged
52
51.4
69.1
55
≥2200

58
25
70.9
26.4

64
13
71.7
13.7

70
5
70.3
5.31

76
2.89
68.2
3.11

82
1.78
65.2
1.96

Figure 4: Rutting parameter of binders.

The phase angle (δ) is generally considered to be more sensitive to the chemical structure than the complex modulus, δ generally tends to decrease as the amount of modifier increases, and, therefore, predominantly viscous behavior with increasing temperatures, γ-LDPER modifier improves the elastic response of the modified binders.

The effect of γ-LDPER modification on the rheological parameters (G* and δ) leads to an increased rutting parameter (G*/sin δ) of binders that promises an improvement of the rutting deformation. As values of G*/sin δ within the limitations, DSR test is maintained to the next test temperatures.

The increased G*/sin δ parameters also affect the PG of the binders. There is a significant increase in PG with increase of γ-LDPER modifier, especially content of 5, 7, and 9%. For instance, high-temperature performance grades step up to 64-Y and 76-Y from 52-Y, when content of the modifier is 5 and 9%, respectively.

3.6. Bending Beam Rheometer Test

In order to study the influence of polymer additives on the low-temperature creep responses of bitumen, the bending beam rheometer test was employed at different loading times of 8, 15, 30, 60, 120, and 240 s and temperatures of −16°C, −22°C, and −28°C. Table 5 contains of compares creep stiffness and m-values obtained at three temperatures and at a loading time of 60 s. The creep stiffness values and m-values of the base and γ-LDPER modified bitumens are also graphed in Figures 5 and 6. As can be seen, creep stiffness of binders increases with increasing polymer modifier content. It can be said that this result was expected, as conventional and rotational viscosity test results indicate the effect stiffening of γ-LDPER modification. Although it is known that binders with higher creep stiffness are not convenient for cold regions, as we can see from the results, the creep stiffness values of binders obtained do not exceed Superpave specifications (i.e., 300 MPa) at any test temperatures. As to m-value, there is a trend to exceed limitations with increasing polymer modifier content. Consequently, binders of B-7-γ-LDPER and B-9-γ-LDPER are failed at −22°C to remain within specifications (i.e., 0.3) whereas the rest of the binders step up to next testing temperature. However, any of the binders were not able to provide m-value specification at −28°C excepting base bitumen. Since creep stiffness is within the limitations, m-values determine the low-temperature performance grade of binders. Hence, there is a slightly decreasing trend in low-temperature performance grades as polymer modifier content increases. As can be seen from Table 5, it steps down to −22 and −16 from −28°C, as polymer modified content is increased to 1% and 7%, respectively.

Table 5: Creep stiffness and -value of the binders at a loading time of 60 s and different temperatures.

Binder types
Creep stiffness (MPa)
m-value
Performance grading (PG)

−16°C
−22°C
−28°C
−16°C
−22°C
−28°C

B
42.13
99.50
199.05
0.479
0.432
0.309
PG Y-28

B-1-γ-LDPER
40.71
139.69
219.12
0.381
0.343
0.281
PG Y-22

B-3-γ-LDPER
67.61
146.12
228.33
0.325
0.318
0.274
PG Y-22

B-5-γ-LDPER
66.93
156.68
248.98
0.324
0.301
0.285
PG Y-22

B-7-γ-LDPER
78.77
176.58
—
0.311
0.267
—
PG Y-16

B-9-γ-LDPER
79.39
143.8
—
0.310
0.263
—
PG Y-16

Figure 5: Creep stiffness values of the base and γ-LDPER modified bitumens.

Figure 6: m-values of the base and γ-LDPER modified bitumens.

3.7. The Effect of γ-LDPER on Performance of Modified Bitumen

As it was discussed above, γ-LDPER has positive the effect on high temperature performance grades, while it decreases slightly low temperature performance grades. Thus, in order to clarify the total effects of γ-LDPER on the performance and to recommend for optimum usage of γ-LDPER in bitumen, Table 6 was prepared to show dependence of the modifier content on failure temperatures of binders for DSR and BBR test. Table 6 also contains the PG of the binders.

Table 6: The effect of γ-LDPER on high and low service temperatures and on performance grade (PG).

Binder types
Fails at

HT (°C)
Fails at

LT (°C)
HT (°C)

improvement
LT (°C)

decrement
Improvement/decrement
Performance grading (PG)

B
54.3
−28.78
—
—
—
PG 52-28

B-1-γ-LDPER
61
−26.61
6.7
2.17
4.53
PG 58-22

B-3-γ-LDPER
63.5
−24.45
9.2
4.33
4.87
PG 58-22

B-5-γ-LDPER
66.9
−22
12.6
6.78
5.82
PG 64-22

B-7-γ-LDPER
68.6
−20.5
14.3
8.28
6.02
PG 64-16

B-9-γ-LDPER
80.5
−17.95
26.2
10.83
15.37
PG 76-16

The results indicate that, the improvement at high temperatures can be seen clearly at even low polymer modification. For instance, B-1-γ-LDPER, which is able to be used in regions with a wider temperature range, as improvement of the binder, is 4.53°C. As content of polymer modifier increases, the improvement also continues to increase. Thereby, temperature improvement of B-3-γ-LDPER and B-5-γ-LDPER binders rises up to 4.87 and 5.82°C, respectively. B-9-γ-LDPER has the largest improvement with 15.37°C. However, although failure temperatures are more precise than PG classifications, it is necessary that analyzing the effect of the polymer modifier by using both the failure temperatures and PG.

The PG of the base bitumen was found as PG 52–28, whereas B-1-γ-LDPER was a binder of PG 58–22. It can be understood that there is no improvement since high-temperature performance grade steps up to one level (52 to 58) while the decreasing in the low-temperature PG is the same (−28 to −22). However, in fact, as can be seen above there is an improvement in terms of failure temperatures.

B-3-γ-LDPER has the same PG (58–22) with B-1-γ-LDPER, whereas B-5-γ-LDPER has PG 64–22, which indicates there is an improvement in terms of both failure temperatures and PG. As for B-7-γ-LDPER, low-temperature performance grading steps down to two level compared with base bitumen (−16), thereby B-7-γ-LDPER has a poorer PG than B-5-γ-LDPER. The B-9-γ-LDPER has the biggest PG (76–16) along all the binders due to vast high-temperature improvement. It might be interpret as a benefit; however, this stiffening effect causes some problems in application while binder is being mixed and compacted. Nevertheless, it is undesirable due to high energy consumptions, as discussed in RV results.

Consequently, in spite of gradual increasing in temperature improvement as polymer content increases, as can be seen B-7-γ-LDPER and B-9-γ-LDPER have a lower temperature grade of −16 that also indicates that there must be a limitation to the usage of γ-LDPER. According to the rheological test (DSR and BBR), and considering RV results it can be suggested that the usage of γ-LDPER polymers as modifier in bitumen with content of 5% as B-5-γ-LDPER has the most stable results due to the previously mentioned reasons.

4. Conclusion

γ-LDPER modified bitumen has been investigated by means of conventional, chemical, and mechanical tests. It was found that the rheological properties of bitumen are enhanced with γ-LDPER polymer modification as identified by testing program. The surface images of the binders obtained with fluorescence microscopy revealed formation of multiphase system with bitumen continuous phase, γ-LDPER dispersed phase, and mixed phase (interfacial layer), which is a sign of the presence of chemical bonding between bitumen and gamma-irradiated polymer particles.

FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the appearance of reactive (>C=C<) bonds in γ-LDPER macromolecules after gamma irradiation of the LDPER. Conventional tests, such as penetration and softening point, indicate a significant increase in stiffness of the bitumen with increasing amount of the γ-LDPER modifier.

After short-term ageing by means of RTFOT, all the modified binders are within the Superpave limitations. Furthermore, γ-LDPER polymer has a positive effect on bitumen ageing. In addition to the observed stiffening effect of γ-LDPER on bitumen, RV test results also suggest that using γ-LDPER as modifier more than 5% in bitumen can cause some mixing and compacting problems in applications.

The results obtained from the DSR tests show that γ-LDPER modifier provides an increased complex shear modulus (G*) values and rutting parameters (G*/sin δ) and decreased phase angle (δ) values which means the γ-LDPER modified binders are more resistant against rutting compared to the base bitumen. This improvement also affects the PG of the binders that increases gradually with increasing modifier content. However, there must be a limitation for the usage of the γ-LDPER polymer due to BBR results that indicate an increasing creep stiffness and decreasing m-value as polymer content increases.

Consequently, in this paper, with taking into account the rheological tests and RV results, it was suggested that the optimum usage of γ-LDPER is 5% by weight of bitumen.

Acknowledgments

This work was carried out in the framework of the joint international Project no 110M400 of Ege University(Izmir, Turkey) and Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (NASU, Kyiv, Ukraine) under the agreement between TUBITAK (Turkey) and NASU (Ukraine).

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