MPC Research Reports
Report Details

Title:	Electrospun Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate Microfibers as an Asphalt Binder Modifier
Authors:	Rouzbeh Ghabchi and Debbrata Datta
University:	South Dakota State University
Publication Date:	Sep 2024
Report #:	MPC-24-555
Project #:	MPC-664

Abstract

Fibers are used in an asphalt mix to improve its durability and resistance against distresses, such as rutting and cracking. Consequently, accurate rheological and performance characterization of asphalt binders and mixes containing fibers is of vital importance. With increased concerns over the environmental disruptions resulting from disposing of end-of-life plastics in landfills and the need to improve the sustainability of construction materials, incorporating plastic in construction materials has always been considered an effective method for recycling and reducing waste sent to landfills. In this study, the end-of-life polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic obtained from bottled water containers was used to produce PET microfibers using the electrospinning technique. The electrospun PET microfibers (EPM) produced through various PET concentrations in electrospinning solutions were used as an asphalt additive. It was found that adding EPM to asphalt mixes improved their resistance to rutting, moisture-induced damage, and cracking compared to mixes that did not contain any EPM. At the asphalt binder level, an increase in EPM content resulted in an improvement in the binder's high-temperature PG grade, while different variations were observed in its low-temperature grade, depending on the EPM content. Overall, it was concluded that incorporating EPM in asphalt mixes can potentially be a feasible approach to reduce plastic landfills and improve the performance and sustainability of the ground transportation system.

How to Cite

Ghabchi, Rouzbeh, and Debbrata Datta. Electrospun Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate Microfibers as an Asphalt Binder Modifier, MPC-24-555. North Dakota State University - Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute, Fargo: Mountain-Plains Consortium, 2024.