Abstract

The application of industrial wastes, particularly polyisobutylene and ceramic powder, to asphalt has not been investigated. Hence, this study was conducted to determine the influence of these waste materials on the physical and rheological properties of bitumen using both conventional and Superpave tests. In this investigation, a polyisobutylene-ceramic powder was used as a modifier for bitumen with a penetration grade of 60/70 at concentrations of 0.0%, 0.7%, 1.4%, and 2.1% by weight. The results indicated that increasing the modifier content led to a significant drop in penetration and a decrease in asphalt ductility. Additionally, the softening point increased as the modifier content also increased. Furthermore, as the modifier concentration increases, the asphalt binder's stiffness increases at high temperatures, while the complex modulus master curve shows a low-frequency response. Similarly, a performance-based asphalt grading system demonstrated that modified bitumen at 0.7% and 1.4% enhanced the PG grades to 64°C and 70°C, respectively. As a result, this represents the increased resistance of modifiers to permanent pavement deformation.