Development of Sustainable bio-asphalt mixtures with renewable biopolymer lignin
The company “Vianova”, " in collaboration with the "VIEDO MATERIĀLU UN TEHNOLOĢIJU KOMPETENCES CENTRS" initiated the implementation of a research project titled "Development of Sustainable Bio-Asphalt Mixtures with Renewable Biopolymer Lignin."
Project number
2
Project contract number
5.1.1.2.i.0/1/22/A/CFLA/005
In February 2023, the company "Vianova" in collaboration with the company "Viedo materiālu un tehnoloģiju kompetences centrs" initiated the implementation of a research project titled "Development of Sustainable Bio-Asphalt Mixtures with Renewable Biopolymer Lignin."
Project goal
The aim of the research project is to create sustainable bio-asphalt mixtures by partially replacing bitumen with renewable biopolymer lignin.
The asphalt production industry has been working for many years to reduce harmful emissions by developing cleaner technologies. These technologies include equipment that runs on biofuels, producing warm mix asphalt, or recycling and reusing reclaimed asphalt in new road construction or maintenance. Additionally, they involve incorporating bio-materials into new asphalt mixtures. The reuse of recycled asphalt (RA) in road construction, especially in asphalt production, has already proven its effectiveness in cost reduction, the utilization of new resources, and environmental impact reduction. Therefore, alternatives to bitumen, which is produced from fossil resources, are being explored worldwide.
Lignin is the second most common biopolymer in the world after cellulose and is found in all vascular plants. Several studies have demonstrated the usefulness of lignin in improving the aging resistance of bitumen. However, it is not entirely clear how the addition of lignin to bitumen will affect not only aging resistance but also other properties of bitumen, such as its resistance to rutting and cracking at low and moderate temperatures. Within the project, research will be conducted to develop at least two sustainable bio-asphalt mixture compositions and introduce at least two new biopolymer asphalt products to replace bitumen.
Project progress report for the period
02.2023 - 08.2023
During the reporting period from February 2023 to August 2023, a significant exploration of theoretical foundations and testing was conducted. This involved a thorough examination of literature sources, identification of scientific publications, meticulous analysis, risk assessment, and consolidation of key findings.
In addition to these activities, the inception of the design process for reference asphalt concrete (AC) and stone mastic asphalt (SMA) mixtures was set into motion, this included the formulation of work formulas and the laboratory investigation of the properties of lignin and bitumen.
Based on literature analysis, the selection of source materials for reference mixtures was initiated, in accordance with Latvian National Standard (LVS) requirements. A comparison of the economic availability of source materials was carried out, along with the design of reference asphalt mixtures: AC 11surf and SMA 11, including the formulation of work formulas and the testing of bitumen properties.