AWAM International Conference on Civil Engineering 2019 (AICCE'19) - Nibong Tebal - Malaysia (2019-08-21)

Modification of Malaysia Bituminous Binder using waste polystyrene
Waste Polystyrene is a principal component of urban litter and marine debris. Disposal of the waste has become a crying necessity not only to regain the vast valuable land space occupied in the landfill but also to reduce the pollution and health hazards. Waste Polystyrene is non-degradable and environmentally unfriendly. This study explores the economical use of waste polystyrene as polymer modifier in bitumen. Modified bitumen were prepared by adding 1%, 2%, 3% waste polystyrene in 60/70 and 80/100 penetration grade bitumen commonly used in Malaysia. The characteristic properties and storage stability of the modified bitumen was evaluated and compared with conventional bitumen and results show a significant increase of 35% and 29% in the softening point temperature for 60/70 and 80/100 gradation respectively. There is a 20% decrease in the penetration values for both 60/70 and 80/100 gradation which is an improvement in characteristics of the modified bitumen and there is no significant change in the phase of the modified bitumen after storage. The utilization of waste polystyrene will not only improve bitumen performance but also create a friendly and sustainable environment by creating alternative reuse of the waste.
Dr. Olufemi Adabayo Johnson, Assoc. Prof. Ibrahim Kamaruddin, Assoc. Prof. Ibrisam Akbar