Print Email Facebook Twitter Characterization and Design of Circular Binders Title Characterization and Design of Circular Binders Author Hendrikse, Hans C. (Latexfalt B.V.) El Khallabi, Hamza (Hogeschool Utrecht) Hartog, Thomas (Latexfalt B.V.) Varveri, Aikaterini (TU Delft Pavement Engineering) Tolboom, Anthon (Latexfalt B.V.) Date 2023 Abstract The concept of a circular economy, where waste materials are transformed into valuable resources, is gaining increasing attention. However, many waste streams are difficult to recycle due to their mixed composition and broad molecular distribution. This paper explores the potential of repurposing mixed materials, specifically focusing on creating a circular alternative to bitumen, a fossil-based binder used in road construction. The molecular weight and composition of bitumen are analyzed using gas chromatography (GC) and infrared spectroscopy (IR). This study proposes using waste plastics and bio-based oils to develop a paving binder with similar molecular distribution. Various plastic types, such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), isotactic polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), are examined for their compatibility with different oils. It is observed that the compatibility of both the molecular weight and composition between the plastic and oil is crucial for the successful dissolution and homogeneity of the binder. Additionally, the crystallinity of the plastic plays a role in the flexibility and durability of the resulting binder. It is demonstrated that by carefully selecting waste materials and understanding their molecular characteristics, it is possible to create circular alternatives to fossil-based materials like bitumen. This approach has the potential to reduce waste, lower dependence on fossil resources, and contribute to sustainable and circular construction materials. Subject bitumen alternativecircular bindergas chromatographywaste plastictall oil pitchmolecular distribution To reference this document use: http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:5ebac3a0-1461-4787-b0b7-1d2a19cbc9a3 DOI https://doi.org/10.3390/su151712853 ISSN 2071-1050 Source Sustainability, 15 (17) Part of collection Institutional Repository Document type journal article Rights © 2023 Hans C. Hendrikse, Hamza El Khallabi, Thomas Hartog, Aikaterini Varveri, Anthon Tolboom Files PDF sustainability_15_12853.pdf 3.28 MB Close viewer /islandora/object/uuid:5ebac3a0-1461-4787-b0b7-1d2a19cbc9a3/datastream/OBJ/view