AP26100713 Project Leader: Shambilova G.Kh.

AP26100713 Fundamentals of creating sustainable asphalt concrete pavements using secondary polymers and lignin to solve environmental and infrastructure problems

Project implementation period: 2025–2027

Project Leader: Shambilova G.Kh.

The objective of the project is to develop fundamental principles for the creation of new asphalt concrete pavements that are resistant to climatic and mechanical impacts using recycled polymers (PP, PE) and lignin, aimed at solving environmental problems of plastic recycling and increasing the durability of road surfaces. The implementation of the project will improve the road infrastructure of Kazakhstan, reduce the environmental burden through the recycling of plastic waste, and stimulate the use of biomaterials in construction.

Project Tasks:

1. Development of modified bitumen compositions. The project involves the creation of stable and durable asphalt pavements by including three-component systems in the formulations, including primary and secondary polymers (PP and PE) and lignin. This will improve the performance characteristics of the pavements. It is planned to study the effect of polymers and lignin on the mechanical properties of asphalt compositions, which will be assessed through rheological tests using rotational viscometry and dynamic mechanical analysis, as well as adhesion and cohesion studies.

2. Study of rheological and thermomechanical properties of compositions. To analyze the effect of additives on the rheological behavior and resistance of compositions to temperature changes (from -40 to +230 °C), experimental studies will be conducted, including TGA, DSC, DTMA, DMA, morphological studies using optical and electron microscopy, IR spectroscopy and analysis of volatile components of mixtures. These methods will allow a detailed study of the rheological, thermomechanical and operational characteristics, including the coefficients of thermal expansion of materials.

3. Development of laboratory regulations for optimal compositions. This stage includes the development of detailed regulations describing the methods of preparation and modification of asphalt concrete using recycled plastics and lignin. The regulations will cover the stages of preparation and testing of materials, and will also determine the process parameters necessary to achieve optimal characteristics in various climatic conditions.

4. Conducting climatic tests of modified asphalt concrete pavements. Tests will be organized to assess the durability of materials under conditions of sharp temperature fluctuations, high temperatures, high humidity and UV radiation. These tests will determine the resistance of pavements to aging and the effect of additives on their climatic resistance.

5. Development of recommendations for the preparation of asphalt concrete for various climatic zones. The task is to develop recommendations for the selection of the fractional composition of fillers, as well as determining the optimal components for various types of loads. This will ensure the adaptation of asphalt concrete to the operating conditions of Kazakhstan and their use in different climatic zones of the country.

6. Creation of a database of properties of modified bitumen compositions. The data on the physical, chemical and rheological properties of materials obtained during the research will be systematized in a database, which will facilitate their further use in scientific research and in practice in the road industry. The database will become a valuable resource for engineers and scientists involved in the development and testing of new road surfaces.