The effect of waste material generated during paper production on the rheological and structural features of asphalt binder

In this study, the performance properties of magnesium lignosulfonate, an organic waste material produced during paper production from wood, on asphalt binder were investigated. The modification was carried out by adding magnesium lignosulfonate (MLS) at 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8% by weight to the asphalt with B50/70 penetration grade. The morphological structure, modification mechanism, and thermal decomposition temperatures of the modified asphalt binders formed by adding the MLS to the asphalt were determined by a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), and Thermogravimetry-Differential Thermal Analysis (TG/DTG), respectively. The physical and rheological properties of the material were determined by penetration, softening point, Rolling Thin Film Oven Test (RTFOT), Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR), and Rotational Viscometer (RV) experiments conducted in a laboratory. The experimental results showed that the organic-based waste additive increases the asphalt consistency, rutting, and short-term aging resistance, and decreases the temperature sensitivity.