Sustainable Asphalt Solutions via Recycled Plastic-Modified Bitumen

Up to 12 million tonnes of plastic debris is entering the global ocean every year; the UN calls it 'a planetary crisis.'" This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need to repurpose plastic waste into useful applications. In this study, we address the growing environmental issue of plastic accumulation by evaluating its reuse in asphalt pavement construction. Specifically, a 20% blend of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) was incorporated into bitumen using the dry process—a practical and cost-effective method that requires no modification to existing asphalt mixing plants. The research focused on measuring the effects of this plastic-bitumen blend on key physical properties such as softening point, penetration, and ductility. Results indicate that the modified bitumen exhibits increased softening point and reduced penetration value, suggesting improved resistance to high-temperature deformation and enhanced stiffness. These findings support the potential of using recycled plastics to produce more durable and environmentally sustainable asphalt mixtures. This study not only demonstrates a viable method for plastic waste utilization in road construction but also contributes to the broader goals of promoting circular economy practices and reducing dependency on virgin materials. However, further work is recommended to evaluate long-term field performance and environmental safety.