Combined modification of asphalt with polyethylene packaging waste and organophilic montmorillonite

Organophilic montmorillonite (OMMT) was prepared via ion exchange of Ca-montmorillonite (Ca-MMT) using dioctadecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (DDAC). The OMMT and polyethylene packaging waste (WPE) were used as a combined modifier for asphalt, and the microstructure and performance of the modified asphalt were studied. Results show that the organophilic modification with DDAC results in an obvious increase of interlayer spacing of Ca-MMT, and the OMMT nano-lamellas can be completely exfoliated during the preparation of modified asphalt. The WPE, dispersed in asphalt, exhibits relatively small particles with homogeneous distribution, indicating that the OMMT addition is beneficial for the dispersion of WPE in asphalt. Compared with ordinary polymer modified asphalt, the penetration, softening point and ductility of the modified asphalt are all markedly improved. The modified asphalt obtained possesses excellent high-temperature stability, low-temperature anti-cracking performance and deformation resistance.