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Murana, A. A.
Department of Civil Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
Ochepo, J.
Department of Civil Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
Yerima, A. M.
Department of Civil Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
Ibedu, K. E.
Department of Civil Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
ABSTRACT
In Nigeria there is abundance of plastic wastes within
the environment especially polyethylene plastics, these waste polyethylene
plastics poses a threat to the environment and eco-system due to the
non-biodegradability nature of these plastics and there is need to develop ways
of tackling this menace. Additives have been successfully added to bitumen to
improve the properties chiefly among these additives are polymer materials
which led to the coinage of the name “Polymer Modified Bitumen” (PMB).This
study focuses on the characterization and use of waste high density
polyethylene (HDPE) to modify bitumen. The research examines the physical
properties of 60/70 penetration grade bitumen modified with high density
polyethylene (HDPE) at 2% to 10% (at interval of 2%). The physical test done on
the unmodified and modified bitumen are penetration, ductility, softening
point, flash and fire, specific gravity and ductility. For the characterization
of HDPE and bitumen Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) was used. Scanning
Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectrometry (EDS) was
used for morphological and elemental composition analysis. All test was
conducted in accordance with relevant standards. The FTIR results of the
unmodified bitumen and HDPE showed the presence of aliphatic, aromatic and
hydroxyl, methylene, aliphatic, methylene, carbonyl, alkyl, phenols, ether,
alcohols, vinyl functional groups respectively. The results obtained from the
physical properties test of bitumen showed a 13%, 7%, 5% and 3% reduction in
the values of penetration, solubility, flash and fire point respectively.
However an increase of 14%, 5% and 32% was recorded in values of ductility,
softening point and specific gravity respectively. The study concludes that
HDPE is a suitable polymer material for modification of bitumen.
Keywords: Bitumen, High Density Polyethylene, Physical Properties, FTIR, SEM, EDS
https://doi.org/10.33922/j.ujet_v9i2_9
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Published
Monday, November 06, 2023
Issue
Vol.9 No.2, December 2023
Article Section
GENERAL
The contents of the articles are the sole opinion of the author(s) and not of UJET.
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