The effect of plastic waste and elemental sulfur additives on chemical and physical properties of bitumen

In this study we describe the modification of bitumen for obtaining better chemical and physical properties. For this goal, we added sulfur or plastic waste in different percentages to the bitumen matrix. The effect of sulfur ratio in the range of 20-40% (w/w) and plastic waste ratio in the range of 2-5% (w/w) was investigated on the softening point, penetration, tensile factor and loss of weight of bitumen. The obtained data confirmed the improvement in chemical and physical properties of bitumen in the presence of plastic waste and sulfur additives. The results showed that tensile factor of bitumen decreases from 1020 mm to 820 mm and 980 mm after addition of 30% of sulfur and 3% of plastic waste, respectively. On the other hand, the best penetration was obtained in the presence of 30% sulfur and 3% plastic waste, respectively. Finally, we suggest the application of sulfur and plastic waste as two important additives for bitumen modification. Keywords: Bitumen, Sulfur, Plastic waste, Chemical and physical properties