Researchers at the North-Caucasus Federal University (NCFU) have created an innovative asphalt mix incorporating plastic waste. According to the
university’s portal, the new material is designed to enhance the durability of road surfaces while simultaneously reducing the volume of plastic sent to landfills.
The source stated that over 600,000 tonnes of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic are consumed annually in Russia. PET is widely used for beverage bottles, food containers, cosmetics, and household chemical packaging. Only about 30 per cent of PET is recycled, while the remaining 70 per cent is sent to landfills or incineration plants, as its reuse in the food industry is prohibited.
NCFU scientists studied the binding properties of modified PET waste and proposed using it as an additive in asphalt concrete. They developed optimised compositions and a rational technology for incorporating PET into bitumen, improving the physical, mechanical, and operational properties of road surfaces.
The addition of PET allows asphalt to maintain better plasticity and deformation resistance across a wide temperature range while remaining environmentally safe as it stays bound within the bitumen. Laboratory tests confirmed that PET-modified asphalt retains its shape at high temperatures, cracks less, and withstands temperature fluctuations, with strength increasing by 11–23 per cent under extreme heat and adhesion improving by 7–20 per cent. The production process requires no major changes, and using recycled PET instead of polymer modifiers also lowers costs.
The NCFU team intends to conduct pilot industrial trials to assess how the asphalt performs under real-world conditions. Based on the results, technical guidelines will be developed to support the implementation of this technology throughout Russia’s road construction industry.
Photo: zoff-photo /
iStock
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