Determination of Rheological Properties of Bio Mastic Asphalt

This study investigated and compared the acoustic characteristics of two natural organic fibres: date palm fibre and oil palm fibre, these materials eligible for acoustical absorption. During the processing stage, both fibre sheets are treated with latex. The two fibres are compressed after latex treatment Circular samples (100 mm in diameter and 28 mm, based on the measurement tube requirements) are cut out of the sheets. The density of the date palm fibre sheet is 150 kg/m³ for a 50 mm thickness and 130 kg/m³ for a 30 mm thickness. In contrast, the density of oil palm fibre is 75 kg/m³ for a 50 mm thickness and 65 kg/m³ for a 30 mm thickness. An impedance tube was used to test the thicknesses of both samples based on international standards. The results show that the date palm fibre exhibits two Acoustic Absorption Coefficient (AAC) peaks: 0.93 at 1356 Hz and 0.99 at 4200-4353 Hz for the 50-mm-thick sample. In contrast, the 30-mm-thick sample has a single AAC peak of 0.83 at 2381.38-2809.38 Hz. However, the 50-mm-thick oil palm fibre has an AAC peak of 0.75 at 1946.88-2178.13 Hz and the 30-mm-thick oil palm fibre has an acoustic absorption coefficient peak 0.59 at 3225-3712.5 Hz. Thus, the date palm fibre has a higher acoustic absorption coefficient for high and low frequencies than does oil palm fibre. Both fibres are promising for use as sound absorber materials to protect against environmental noise pollution.

Performance characteristics of asphalt binders modified with sunflower flour: A sustainable application of renewable resource derived material

Characteristics of starch-based biodegradable composites reinforced with date palm and flax fibers

This study presented the preparation and performance of a kind of high viscosity and elastic recovery asphalt (HVERA) by using some modifiers. The performance of styrene‐butadiene‐styrene (SBS), rock asphalt (RA), crumb rubber (CR), and stabilizing agent (SA) for different modifiers was investigated by conventional binder test. Effects of modifiers on the high‐ and low‐temperature properties of HVERA were investigated. The dynamic viscosity (DV) test, dynamic shear rheometer (DSR), and bending beam rheometer (BBR) analysis indicated that the high‐ and low‐temperature rheological properties of asphalt were improved attribute to the addition of mixture of modifiers. Meanwhile, the short‐term aging and long‐term aging were simulated by rolling thin film oven (RTFO) and pressure aging vessel (PAV) tests. Furthermore, the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) measurements were conducted for obtaining the mechanism and microstructure distribution of the modified asphalt binders. From the test results in this study, it was evident that the addition of SBS, RA, CR, and SA into a neat asphalt binder could both significantly improve the viscosity of the binder at high temperature and lower the creep stiffness at low temperature, which was beneficial to better both high‐temperature stability and low‐temperature cracking resistance of asphalt pavements. It was proved that the high temperature grade of HVERA could be increased by increasing of RA and a proper percentage of modifiers could be improved by the low temperature grade of HVERA.

In this research, a novel eco-friendly green composite is fabricated by combining a biomatrix composed of a biopolymer, date palm fiber, and a filler obtained from discarded eggshell (ES) waste material. This research aims to check the influent of ES filler on thermal and viscoelasticity properties of bio-epoxy composite with incorporation of 40 wt.% date palm (DP) fiber. Various ES filler ratios, specifically 5 wt.%, 10 wt.%, 15 wt.%, and 20 wt.%, are dispersed into the composite. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) approach were employed to investigate the properties of fabricated composites as a function of temperature in terms of storage modulus (E′), loss modulus (E′′), Tan delta (Tan δ), glass transition temperature (Tg), and Cole-Cole plot. Overall, incorporating ES filler into the bio-epoxy/DP fiber composites increased E′, E′′, and Tg significantly. ES-filled composites containing 5 and 10 wt.% exhibited properties comparable to 15 wt.% but less than 20 wt.% ES filler. Thermal tests result show that 20 wt.% ES-filled materials outperform their counterparts in terms of heat resistance or thermal stability. The evidence suggests that the embodiment of ES filler in bio-epoxy/DP fiber composites yields enhancements in both thermal and dynamic mechanical properties. This indicates the potential for utilizing ES filler loading in advanced composite applications that prioritize thermal stability and sustainability.

PURPOSES: The objective of this study is to investigate the properties of recycled asphalt binders with five different rejuvenators, in order to evaluate the applicability of the recycled asphalt binders compared with the original asphalt binder. METHODS: In order to simulate recycled asphalt binders, fresh asphalt binders are aged by various Superpave aging procedures, such as the rolling thin-film oven (RTFO) and the pressure aging vessel (PAV). Then, selected rejuvenators are added to the aged asphalt binders in the amount of 5%, 10%, and 15%. The asphalt binder properties are evaluated by the dynamic shear rheometer (DSR), the rotational viscometer (RV), and the bending beam rheometer (BBR). In this study, AP-5 (penetration grade 60-80, PG 64-16) asphalt binder is used. A total of five types of rejuvenators are employed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS : When considering aged asphalt without a new asphalt binder, it seems that the percentage of rejuvenator used in Korea is a bit too low, and that it fails to possess the characteristics of the original binder. From the current practice of evaluating the properties of recycled binder based on penetration ratio only, the amount of rejuvenator required is similar for the long-term-aged binder, but is excessive for the longest-term aged binder, causing deterioration of workability and stiffness of the recycled binder.

This study assesses the thermal stability, thermoregulation ability, and performance of microencapsulated phase change materials (MPCMs) in asphalt binders considering different aging levels. Three MPCMs having melting points of 6°C, 28°C, and 37°C (namely M6, M28, and M37) were incorporated into PG 58-28 and PG 64-22 binders. After that, each binder was aged using rolling thin film oven (RTFO) and pressure aging vessel (PAV). The thermal stability of MPCM-modified binders was assessed by measuring enthalpy at different aging levels, and respective performance was evaluated using complex shear modulus (G*) and Glover–Rowe (G-R) parameters. The performance within the thermoregulation range was assessed using percentage change in G* and Superpave fatigue parameter (G*·Sin[δ]) from temperature ramp tests (TRT). Results showed that aging reduced the enthalpy of MPCM binders, but M6 and M28 exhibited good thermal stability in both binders compared with M37. In addition, stiff binders and lower dosages tend to have less enthalpy. At RTFO level, all dosages of M6 and M28 in PG 58-28 demonstrated improved rutting resistance, whereas only M28-20% in PG 64-22 showed enhanced rutting resistance. At PAV level, all samples (except M28-20% in PG 64-22) showed improved cracking resistance compared with the control binders. TRT confirmed that surviving M6 and M28 particles enhanced G*·Sin(δ) at the PAV level within the thermoregulation range. M37 showed thermal instability in both binders at RTFO and PAV levels. In summary, M6 and M28 in PG 58-28 binders demonstrated high thermal stability and enhanced cracking resistance, making this combination suitable for practical asphalt applications.

Rheological and chemical characteristics of asphalt binders recycled using different recycling agents

This study evaluated the aging characteristics of foamed warm mix asphalt (WMA) produced by water injection in comparison to traditional hot mix asphalt (HMA). Two asphalt binders (PG 70-22 and PG 64-22) and one aggregate (12.5-mm NMAS limestone aggregate) were used in this study. The short-term and long-term aging of the two asphalt binders were simulated using the rolling thin film oven (RTFO) and pressure aging vessel (PAV), respectively, while AASHTO’s standard practice for mixture conditioning for hot mix asphalt was used to simulate the short-term and long-term aging of the laboratory-prepared asphalt mixtures. The dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) was used to characterize the viscoelastic behavior of the original (unaged, RTFO-aged, and PAV-aged) and recovered asphalt binders; Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to identify and quantify the amount of functional groups present in the asphalt binders; and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) was used to determine the molecular ...

As especificações SUPERPAVE (Superior Performing Asphalt Pavements) introduziram a caracterização reológica de ligantes asfálticos, atribuindo propriedades de engenharia aos mesmos. Devido à complexidade do comportamento viscoelástico dos ligantes, os parâmetros reológicos foram inicialmente propostos apenas na região viscoelástica linear (LVER). Sabe-se que a rigidez do material é influenciada diretamente pela frequência, temperatura e envelhecimento. Esse trabalho estudou o efeito da temperatura de ensaio e do nível de envelhecimento na região viscoelástica linear durante o ensaio de varredura de deformações usando o reômetro de cisalhamento dinâmico (DSR). O envelhecimento foi realizado em estufa de filme fino rotativo (RTFO). Foram avaliados três ligantes asfálticos: um ligante convencional, um 60/85-E modificado por SBS (copolímero em bloco de estireno-butadieno-estireno) e o outro altamente modificado (HiMA). Os resultados mostram que os ligantes têm sua região viscoelástica linear reduzida com o aumento do envelhecimento e a redução da temperatura. Os ligantes modificados apresentaram maiores LVER que o ligante convencional, principalmente em altas temperaturas.

Waste can be categorized as organic waste and chemical waste. Organic waste generated from agriculture industry had been proofed to be use in concrete production to enhance the concrete performance. The main purpose of adding the fiber in concrete structure is to control cracking due to plastic shrinkage and to drying shrinkage. Besides, it can also reduce the permeability of concrete, thus, reduce the bleeding of water. Some types of fibers produce greater impact, abrasion, and shatter resistance in concrete. Therefore, this paper reviewed the mechanical properties of concrete containing oil palm and coconut fiber as an additional material in concrete. Coconut fiber length is longer than oil palm fiber. Therefore, in comparison, by adding coconut fiber in concrete up to 5% may reduce the flexural and tensile strength of the concrete due to agglomerate effect of the fiber. In contrast, for oil palm fiber, beyond 5% of addition in concrete will improve the flexural and tensile strength of the concrete due to the length effect of the fiber. By discussing both organic fiber as an additional material to strengthen the concrete, it can contribute to the body of knowledge in term of reducing cracks in concrete. Besides, it will give a better understanding to readers regarding the function of the materials in concrete.

This study investigated the influence of test temperature of the rolling thin film oven (RTFO) and pressure aging vessel (PAV) on aging of asphalt binders. It also evaluated the difference of three binders obtained at 85 and 100°C, as recommended by European and SHRP binder specifications for PAV, and at a typical pavement temperature of 60°C. The aging was evaluated in terms of the physical, chemical and rheological properties. Tests conducted included penetration, softening point, viscosity, mass loss, chemical compound analysis, infrared absorption spectrum (IR), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), bending beam rheometer (BBR) as well as dynamic shear rheometer (DSR). The results indicated that: (1) the hardness of the aged binders was sensitive to the RTFO test temperature, whereas, their Performance Grade (PG) was not affected; (2) increasing the PAV test temperature enhanced the oxidation aging, leading to significant changes in the properties; (3) the three aged binders obtained at PAV temperatures of 60, 85 and 100°C have insignificant difference in terms of the considered properties.

During the production, palm oil industry generated around 4 ton of dry biomass waste such empty fruit bunch (EFB), palm kernel shell (PKS), and palm oil fiber (PF) for each 1 ton of palm oil extracted. As main industry in Indonesia, palm oil industry offered not only the oil product but also biomass waste which was potential for clean energy sources. The utilization of those biomass residue is still limited due to lack of information related to conversion method as well as characteristic of various product. This research focuses on the product distribution and characterization of biomass pyrolysis especially PKS and PF. Pyrolysis experiments were conducted using both thermogravity (TG) method and stainless steel reactor at temperature range of 450–550°C. Based on the TG method that biomass was heated up until 1000°C in nitrogen atmosphere, PKS exhibited slower decomposition process rather than PF because of high value of hardness and fixed carbon. Two strong peaks were seen clearly which the first peak correspond to hemicellulose and lignin decomposition that proceed in the temperature range of 200 – 300°C. While, the second peak represented to cellulose and lignin decomposition that occurred in the temperature range of 300 – 500°C. Pyrolysis at higher temperature initiated smaller amount of solid product due to volatilization and higher ash content. The ash composed of several chemical such as Si, Al, Ca, Mn etc which would still remain in the solid product when temperature was increased. However, the fixed carbon and heating value enhanced significantly as increasing temperature. Clearly, based on the SEM images, the biochar hold better pore structure compared to raw material. In the pyrolysis process, the volatile matter moved to gas phases and create abundant vacant as pore structure in the solid product. These results offers opportunities of better utilization of palm oil residues not only energy conversion but also other area such as adsorbent, bio-fertilizer/soil conditioning.

Composting of oil palm fibres and Trichoderma spp. as the biological control agent: A review

In this research raw date palm trunk fibers were used to adsorb cadmium ions from aqueous solutions. The date palm trunk fibers are considered as agricultural waste which is available in huge quantities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In order to assess the feasibility and the efficiency of using this as an adsorbent, a series of experiments were conducted in a batch adsorption method. The effects of the process variables such as fiber size, mixing rate, mixing time, temperature, solution pH and adsorbent dose on the adsorption capacity of date palm fibers were studied. The results obtained indicated that the adsorption capacity of Cd2+ increased from 29.06 to 51.1 mg/g as the particle size decreased from 875 to 100 μm. It was found that the adsorption capacity of Cd2+ decreased in the strong acidic medium and increased rapidly as the solution pH increased from 1.69 to 3.71. The adsorption capacity was observed to have an insignificant change on raising the temperature from 12 to 34 °C and increasing of mixing speed from 100 to 500 rpm. Also, one very important finding of this research is that the equilibrium time of the adsorption process is very short. The maximum adsorption capacity was obtained after 10 minutes.