Possibility of Adding Biomedical Waste Plastic as Asphalt Performance Improvers

Abstract

There are many types of human waste, including biomedical waste plastic, which is infectious and toxic, and its disposal is one of the main problems facing developing countries. In the process, countries must establish an extensive network of roads to maintain a stable economic and social environment. Research has shown that bitumen limitations necessitate careful consideration when building highways and transportation networks for development. It is possible to use biomedical plastic waste in road construction, reducing its environmental impact. It is considered economical and capable of improving the performance and characteristics of paved roads. The research aims to investigate the impact of biomedical waste plastic on the rheological characterization of bitumen, utilizing safer insulin syringes after treatment. Using mixing techniques, we prepared the modified bitumen from the waste. We added it gradually after heating the asphalt and waste. Researchers found that adding it could improve the bitumen's rheological properties, like its low penetration, flash point, fire point, and ductility, while still meeting the requirements for asphalt and having a high softening point and viscosity. In general, the results showed that increasing the content of biomedical waste as a percentage of the weight of bitumen improves the rheological properties of bitumen and paving performance. This also reduces the effect of cracking and improves the susceptibility temperature of asphalt. The results also demonstrated a 9.75% material cost reduction. This approach not only allows for the prudent disposal of hazardous biomedical plastic waste, but also reduces construction costs by saving some bitumen, making this type of asphalt more suitable for use in hot areas.