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Journal of Petroleum Engineering & Technology Original Research Open Access

Lignin-modified bitumen: Exploring characteristics and performance

  1. Darsana Mohanachandran College of Engineering
  2. Anu S Mattam College of Engineering
  3. Devika Vijayan S College of Engineering
  4. Hiba Shahana S College of Engineering
  5. Renjima S Reghu College of Engineering

Abstract

The surge in crude oil prices has sparked interest in finding efficient and cost-effective alternatives to bitumen, a binder used in road pavement. Bitumen, derived from crude oil distillation or natural deposits, is primarily utilized in pavement grade bitumen, accounting for 83% of its usage. However, traditional hot mix asphalt, which relies heavily on bitumen, emits significant amounts of CO2, CH4, and N2O, contributing to environmental concerns. To address these challenges, research efforts have focused on shifting from fossil-based to biobased resources in road construction. One promising approach involves incorporating biobased waste materials to enhance pavement properties and promote environmental sustainability. Lignin, a plant polymer found naturally in plants alongside cellulose and hemicellulose, is one such biobased waste material. With an estimated 300 billion tonnes in the biosphere and an annual growth rate of about 20 billion tonnes, lignin presents a vast, untapped resource. Its chemical composition and hydrocarbons closely resemble those found in bitumen, making it an ideal modifier for pavement construction. Due to its organic nature and similar chemical structure to bitumen, lignin presents a practical option as an extender or substitute for bitumen in road pavement. This report investigates the effects of waste lignin on the properties of bitumen binders, aiming to assess its feasibility and potential benefits in enhancing pavement performance while reducing environmental impact. Overall, this research represents a critical step towards developing sustainable road construction practices by leveraging biobased waste materials like lignin to mitigate the environmental impact of traditional asphalt pavement while improving performance and reducing costs.

Keywords

References (11)

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