Modification of bitumen by electron beam irradiated recycled low density polyethylene

• The modification of bitumen with electron irradiated recycled LDPE was investigated.
• Electron irradiation was applied on LDPE to provide a chemical interaction between LDPE and bitumen.
• The results revealed LDPE modification provides an improved rheological properties of bitumen.
• e-LDPER modifier has a certain favorable effects on stiffening of bitumen.

This paper describe the modification of bitumen with electron irradiated recycled low density polyethylene (e-LDPER). Electron beam irradiation was applied to recycled LDPE (LDPER) to provide formation of free radicals and some functional groups that may contribute to creation of strong chemical bonds between polymer modifier and bitumen. Five binders having different e-LDPER polymer content of 1%, 3%, 5%, 7% and 9% were prepared. The effects of the e-LDPER on bitumen were investigated by means of morphological, chemical and physical testing program, including Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) conventional tests, rolling thin film oven (RTFOT), rotational viscosity (RV), dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) tests.Based on the results, it can be noted that e-LDPER modification provides an improved fundamental rheological properties of bitumen.