Durability of roads can be enhanced by mixing plastic with a certain chemical mix, according to a latest study by experts.
Waste plastic added to bituminous mix can enhance the durability of roads, reports the study, conducted by a group of experts at National Institute of Technology (NIT) in south
Indian state Kerala.
Various tests including the Marshall Stability assessment have ensured that mixes with waste plastic performed better than mixes with plain bitumen, a top researcher with NIT said.
The study, which is meant for tracing practical solutions to use plastic for constructive purpose, is sponsored by the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE).
Materials like low-density and high density
polyethelene (LDPE & HDPE), crumb rubber and chappal waste were added to bituminous mix as part of the experiment.
Waste plastic can be added to bituminous mix by dry mixing as well as wet mixing. In the case of dry mixing, the plastic waste is added to heated aggregates before adding binder, However, the waste is added to plain bitumen in wet
mixing, he added.
"The aim of the study is to enhance the durability and life of roads. Besides that, we are also investigating the drawbacks of the present road tarring methods," an NIT faculty said.