Experimental investigation of PP masks/PP-g-MAH/SBR polymer blends on the storage stability and low-temperature properties of modified bitumen

Abstract

Owing to the pandemic of COVID-19, tons of disposable masks have derived severe plastic disposal issues these years. One typical reuse avenue is recycling waste polypropylene (WPP) masks in large-scale asphalt pavement construction. Yet only a limited amount of research has been conducted to alleviate the phase segregation issues and the severe cracking distress that WPP brings to asphalt. This study explored the feasibility of using styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) and maleic anhydride grafted PP (PP-g-MAH) in repurposing WPP in bitumen. The study aims to investigate its modification mechanisms and solve the bad performance that plastic bring to modified bitumen. The results indicate that adding SBR and PP-g-MAH can help PP distribute homogeneously in asphalt binder. Meanwhile, the low temperature anti-cracking performance is enhanced. This recycling method can reduce the quantity of indiscriminate disposal WPP masks and improve the properties of asphalt pavement.