Material PropertiesEvaluation of thermal and mechanical properties of recycled polyethylene modified bitumen

This paper deals with the influence that polymer concentration exerts on the rheological and thermal properties and microstructure of recycled polyethylene modified bitumen. With this aim, a recycled polyethylene was used as modifying agent to improve the mechanical characteristics of a 150/200 penetration grade bitumen. The evolution of microstructure and thermal and rheological behaviour of the blends has been followed by optical microscopy, MDSC measurements, steady and oscillatory shear tests and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), respectively. Recycled polymer concentrations up to 15 wt. % lead to enhanced rheological properties of the modified bitumen, useful for paving applications. Larger recycled polymer concentrations yield modified binders suitable for roofing membranes.