Silane crosslinkable polyethylene waste as bitumen modifier: A new fortunate destiny by in time recycling of thermoplastic waste before conversion to thermoset end-of-life unrecyclable polymer

摘要: Abstract Polymer modification of bitumen is a popular method to enhance its performance. Over the years, researchers have suggested and developed various polymeric modifiers, this trend in research progress introduce new polymers with higher efficacies. Silane crosslinkable polyethylene widely used polymer as cable insulation, waste was modifier study. After shaping around metal conductors providing crosslinking condition, silane-crosslinked (Si-XLPE) insulation obtained. When compared ordinary polyethylene, Si-XLPE exhibits superlative performance, such enhanced thermal, mechanical, elasticity, stress cracking properties. Herein, production wastes were utilized for before crosslinking. Comprehensive analyses carried out characterizing fabricated samples, including conventional physical (softening point, penetration, storage stability), morphological (optical fluorescence microscopies), chemical (FTIR), thermal (DSC), performance grade (PG) assessments. For PG determination, rolling thin film oven (RTFO) pressure aging vessel (PAV) tests, along rotational viscometer (RV), dynamic shear rheometer (DSR), bending-beam (BBR) tools employed. Findings indicated formation phase network matrix altering shapes depending on content. This identified be origin appeared structural enhancements modified samples. Moreover, it revealed that contents 2% more led separations unaged or aged states due high swelling ratio Si-XLPE. Strikingly, seen only 1% could change 58-22 base 70-22, which confirmed promising efficiency recycled low significant improvements bitumen's temperature without adverse effects Eventually, silane can an advantageous potential bitumen-modifier favorable from technical, environmental, economical perspectives.