Preparation and characterization of an asphalt-modifying agent with waste packaging polyethylene and organic montmorillonite

In this paper, waste packaging polyethylene (WPE)/organic montmorillonite (OMMT) nanocomposites were prepared and used as an asphalt-modifying agent. The structure and morphology of the nanocomposites and the effects of OMMT on the thermal properties of WPE were investigated. The influence of the microcosmic effects and physical properties of the composite agents on the base asphalt were also studied. The results show that the WPE/OMMT asphalt-modifying agents are exfoliated nanocomposites. When compared with WPE, the melting range of the composites decreases and the thermal stability is improved. In addition, the composite agents not only promote good dispersion of WPE in asphalt, but also improve the low temperature properties of WPE-modified asphalt without adversely affecting its excellent high temperature properties. Therefore, from an environmental and economic standpoint, it is a novel and significant attempt at dealing with waste plastics packaging.