Utilizing waste polyethylene for improved properties of asphalt binders and mixtures: A review

• Published in: ADVANCES IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY-RESEARCH JOURNAL
• Main Authors: Assolie, Amani Abdallah; Al-Migdady, Abeer; Borowski, Gabriel; Alsaqoor, Sameh; Ali, Ahmed Suliman B.; Alahmer, Ali
• Format: Review
• Language: English
• Published: LUBLIN UNIV TECHNOLOGY, POLAND 2025
• Subjects: Engineering
• Online Access: https://www-webofscience-com.uitm.idm.oclc.org/wos/woscc/full-recordWOS:001378698100024

This review highlighted the effects of adding to asphalt binder and asphalt mixtures, emphasizing its growing adoption globally due to environmental and economic advantages. The analysis evaluated the performance of asphalt binders and concrete mixtures modified with different forms of polyethylene (PE), including low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The review revealed that incorporating waste polyethylene significantly enhanced key properties of asphalt mixtures. Specifically, PE addition increased the softening point, viscosity, and specific gravity while reducing penetration. Furthermore, it improved the complex shear modulus, thermal stability, moisture resistance, and resistance to permanent deformation, although it might have led to a decrease in bulk density and creep rate of modified mixtures. The optimal PE content was recommended to be in the range of 4-12% by weight of binder, yielding substantial improvements in Marshall stability, flow, voids in mineral aggregates (VMA), air voids, dynamic modulus, and overall strength.