RECYCLED PLASTICS FOR ASPHALT ROADS
The global public is increasingly disgusted with poor quality roads, potholes and potholes.
Our company has taken a responsible approach to this problem and offers a solution in the use of recycled plastics as an additive for asphalt roads. By adding recycled plastics to
asphalt roads, we not only increase the quality and durability of the asphalt surfaces we produce, but we are also able to recover plastic waste that would otherwise end up in
landfills, incinerators or the sea.
VIAKORP s.r.o. was one of the first companies in the world to implement an asphalt road
with the addition of recycled plastic to the asphalt. The company offers several types of
recycled plastic admixture in asphalt, for different types of roadways, from third-class roads
to expressways and motorways.
Using UKAS accredited laboratories from across the UK, along with universities and testing
facilities from around the world, a number of tests have been carried out to determine
suitable polymers for use in roads. Based on the laboratory results, the following ‘MR’
products have been established.
MR products
All MR products are a blend of carefully selected polymers and are specifically designed to:- be used as additives to reduce the volume of bitumen required in the asphalt mix,
- reduce the amount of plastic waste in landfills or incinerators,
- reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
CAR PARKS, ROADS, JUNCTIONS
MR6 mix
MR6 is a complex arrangement of polyolefins designed for blending into bitumen. It reduces the risk of asphalt deformation. Recommended dosage is 6% - 8% replacement of asphalt binder.
Advantages of MR6
- increased stiffness,
- increased resistance to deformation,
- improves moisture resistance,
- improved fuel resistant properties,
- will increase the temperature for deformation of bitumen,
- reduces CO2e,
- reduces fossil fuel requirements,
- reduces plastic waste.
CAR PARKS, ROAD COMMUNICATIONS
Mix MR8
MR8 is a polymer blend designed to maximise the environmental benefits in standard asphalt mixtures on general traffic roads. Recommended dosage of 6%-10% binder replacement.
- maintains stiffness,
- provides resistance to deformation,
- provides resistance to crack propagation,
- improves moisture resistance,
- increases the temperature for bitumen deformation,
- improved fuel resistant properties,
- reduces CO2e,
- reduces fossil fuel requirements,
- reduces plastic waste.
CAR PARKS, ROADS, JUNCTIONS
Mix MR10
MR10 contains a block copolymer. It is designed to mix into asphalt or bitumen, reducing the risk of cracking. It is used to overlay concrete surfaces with cracks, roundabouts, road intersections in all types of climates worldwide. The recommended rate is 4%-8% binder replacement.
- stiffness Increase,
- reduces the risk of cracking at low temperatures,
- improves resistance to overloading,
- improves bonding ability,
- increased resistance to hardening,
- increased resistance to deformation,
- increased resistance to crack bridging.
Use
The products are designed for use in wet or dry mix. There is no need to change the mixing time or temperature when producing asphalt. However, as part of the quality control, it is recommended that a small sample of the mixed asphalt should first be produced and then a binder recovery test using methylene chloride should be carried out to ensure that complete homogenisation of the binder has occurred between the product and the bitumen, if complete homogenisation has not occurred the mixing time should be changed as necessary. MR products are sold in bags or big-bags, depending on the quantity required and the equipment of the coating centre itself.Quality control of plastics from waste
For the products, waste from domestic, commercial and industrial sectors is selected. Working with supply companies and plastic waste processors ensures that the polymers used are supplied under strict quality control procedures. The raw ingredients are taken at the manufacturing plant where they are mixed in the correct proportions of each polymer to create MR products.Benefit for the environment by reducing harmful carbon dioxide
MR products are used as a substitute for bitumen in asphalt mixtures. This reduces the need to source fossil fuels for bitumen production as part of the production process.
For plastics, while conventional recycling helps reduce the amount of plastic waste from landfill and incineration in the short term, the manufacture of new plastic products using recycled plastic usually requires an element of the original polymer to return the plastic back to its original use. This leads to more plastic on the planet. If this larger volume is not recycled, the only option is landfill, incineration and loss of the natural environment.
Asphalt roads with added plastic recyclate can be routinely recycled and reused like conventional asphalt mixes used on roads.
- Reduction of bitumen consumption
- In the case of MR6 and MR10, new asphalt modifying polymers are also avoided
- Cost savings associated with pollution from burning waste plastic.
CAR PARKS, ROAD COMMUNICATIONS
Future use of waste plastics
We are continuously developing products to optimise the use of waste plastics in the construction sector.
- Reinforcement of concrete products
- Cold-packed products
- Asphalt sealing products
