Design and Formulation of Waste Plastic Materials with Asphalt for Road and Pavement Construction
Ibrahim Mohammed *
Advanced Materials and Interface Research Group (AMIRG), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Jos, P.M.B. 2084, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria and Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Jos, P.M.B. 2084, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.
John Rople Gungshik
Advanced Materials and Interface Research Group (AMIRG), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Jos, P.M.B. 2084, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria and Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Jos, P.M.B. 2084, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.
Samuel Emmanuel Egga
Advanced Materials and Interface Research Group (AMIRG), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Jos, P.M.B. 2084, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria and Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Jos, P.M.B. 2084, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.
Pam Stephen Jang
Advanced Materials and Interface Research Group (AMIRG), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Jos, P.M.B. 2084, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria and Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Jos, P.M.B. 2084, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.
Anthonia Eyitayo Eseyin
Advanced Materials and Interface Research Group (AMIRG), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Jos, P.M.B. 2084, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria and Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Jos, P.M.B. 2084, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The rapid increase in plastic waste generation poses serious environmental, social, and economic challenges, particularly in developing countries such as Nigeria, where disposal infrastructure is inadequate. This study investigates the design and formulation of hot mix asphalt incorporating waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) for road and pavement construction. Using the dry mix method, PET and HDPE were processed to 2–4 mm and blended with 70/80 penetration grade bitumen and aggregates at 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, and 6% by weight of the mix. Thirty Marshall specimens were prepared and evaluated for stability, flow, voids, voids filled with bitumen (VFB), and density in accordance with ASTM D1559. Results revealed that asphalt mixes containing PET and HDPE exhibited improved stiffness and resistance to rutting relative to the control. Optimal performance was observed at 2–4% plastic content. PET mixes showed higher Marshall Stability at 6% (4.70 kN) and higher VFB (81.42%) compared with HDPE. The incorporation of plastic waste offers significant environmental benefits by diverting waste from landfills and reducing binder demand, while also offering potential cost savings and extended pavement lifespan. The study concludes that integrating PET and HDPE into asphalt pavement is a viable, sustainable approach, but recommends standardisation, durability testing, and field-scale validation.
Keywords: Waste plastic, hot mix asphalt, Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), dry process, Marshall stability, volumetric properties, pavement materials, sustainable road construction