Introduction of recycled polyurethane foam in mastic asphalt

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to analyse the suitability of recycled polyurethane (PU) foam as a binder modifier in mastic asphalts (MA). The results show that harder bitumen is achieved with an increasing percentage of PU, up to 5 %, when the workability of the sample becomes poor. A MA mix with a 4 % of PU in bitumen was manufactured. A lower indentation was observed when compared to a virgin sample, and it was established that the modified MA can be used on heavy-traffic roads. These results suggest a promising use of this waste polymer.