Sustainable Hybrid Modification of Asphalt Binder Using Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene and Waste Polyvinyl Chloride for Enhanced High-Temperature Performance
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21928/uhdjst.v10n2y2026.pp1-10Keywords:
Polymer Modified Asphalt Binders, Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene, Waste Polyvinyl Chloride, Environmental Sustainability, Dynamic Shear RheometerAbstract
Standard asphalt binders are thermally unstable; thus, modification is required to prevent rutting at high pavement temperatures and under heavy truck axle loads. Using a hybrid styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) and waste polyvinyl chloride (PVC) technology, a standard asphalt binder (60/70 penetration grade) was sustainably modified to improve high-temperature performance and rheological stability. Virgin control and nine hybrid mixes containing SBS (2%, 3%, and 4%) and waste PVC (1%, 3%, and 5%) by weight were tested. This hybrid change stiffened the matrix, reducing penetration and increasing softening point, according to conventional tests. Rotational viscosity rose with SBS and waste PVC concentrations, improving flow resistance at mixing and compaction temperatures. PVC concentrations elevated rolling thin film oven (RTFO) mass loss and lowered flash point due to waste polymer thermal instability. PVC’s plasticity partially disrupts the SBS’s continuous elastic network, decreasing elastic recovery as waste PVC concentration increased. Using the dynamic shear rheometer, a transition from viscous to elastic behavior was observed, with greater G* and lower δ values. The original and RTFO-aged binders greatly improved in rutting parameter (G*/sinδ), indicating increased ageing resistance. In the base performance grade (PG) 64-16 binder, hybrid SBS/PVC raises the high-temperature PG by two to six levels. These findings enhance asphalt binder performance in extreme temperatures and weather, enabling resilient pavement systems and more sustainable, durable, and cost-effective road infrastructure.
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