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Russian Scientists Create Stronger Roads Using Recycled Plastic Waste

Researchers at Russia's North Caucasus Federal University have developed a new asphalt mixture that incorporates modified plastic waste, primarily from PET bottles and packaging. The innovation significantly improves the road surface's strength, deformation resistance, and performance across temperature extremes. Laboratory tests showed strength increases of 11-23% in heat and better crack resistance. The team plans industrial trials, aiming to provide a cost-effective solution for durable roads while tackling plastic pollution.

Key Points: Recycled Plastic Makes Durable Asphalt, Russian Study Finds

  • Uses recycled plastic waste
  • Improves road strength & durability
  • Reduces landfill disposal
  • Lowers production costs
2 min read

Russian university scientists develop asphalt with recycled plastic for more durable roads

Russian university develops asphalt with recycled plastic bottles. New mix is stronger, more crack-resistant, and helps reduce landfill waste.

"The addition of PET enables asphalt to maintain higher plasticity and resistance to deformation across a wide range of temperatures. - TV BRICS"

Moscow, January 20

Researchers at Russia's North Caucasus Federal University have developed a new asphalt mixture that uses plastic waste as a key component, aiming to improve road durability while addressing the growing problem of plastic disposal, the university said.

According to information on the NCFU portal, the innovation focuses on incorporating modified plastic waste into asphalt concrete to enhance its performance and reduce the amount of plastic that ends up in landfills or incinerators.

The researchers noted that Russia consumes more than 600,000 tonnes of polyethene terephthalate (PET) every year.

PET is commonly used in the manufacture of beverage bottles, food packaging, cosmetics containers and household chemical products. However, only around 30 per cent of this plastic is recycled, while the remaining 70 per cent is either dumped in landfills or burnt, as its reuse in food-related applications is restricted, according to TV BRICS.

NCFU scientists examined the binding properties of modified PET waste and proposed its use as an additive in asphalt mixtures.

Based on their findings, the team developed optimised formulations and an efficient method for introducing PET into bitumen. This approach, they said, significantly improves the physical, mechanical and operational properties of road surfaces.

As cited by TV BRICS, the addition of PET enables asphalt to maintain higher plasticity and resistance to deformation across a wide range of temperatures.

The researchers emphasised that the material remains environmentally safe, as the plastic is firmly bound within the bitumen and does not leach into the environment.

Laboratory tests showed that asphalt modified with PET retains its shape more effectively at high temperatures, is less prone to cracking and performs better under sharp temperature fluctuations. Under conditions of extreme heat, the strength of the asphalt increased by 11-23 per cent, while adhesion improved by 7-20 per cent.

The researchers added that the production process does not require significant changes to existing asphalt manufacturing technologies. Moreover, replacing conventional polymer modifiers with recycled PET could help reduce production costs.

The NCFU team plans to carry out pilot industrial trials to evaluate the material's performance under real traffic and climatic conditions. Following these trials, technical recommendations are expected to be developed to support the wider adoption of this technology across Russia's road construction sector.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good research, but the real test is on Indian roads with our traffic load and monsoon rains. We need to see if it can handle our conditions. Still, a promising step for waste management.
A
Arjun K
Finally, a practical use for all those plastic bottles! Our municipalities struggle with segregation. If this tech is cost-effective, it could be a game-changer for Swachh Bharat. Hope our road ministry is paying attention.
S
Sarah B
The environmental safety claim is crucial. We don't want microplastics leaching into our soil and water. Proper long-term studies are needed, but the initial data on strength improvement looks very impressive.
V
Vikram M
ज़रूरी है कि हम ऐसी तकनीकों को अपनाएं। Our roads develop potholes every season. If adding plastic makes them last longer and handles our extreme summer heat, it's worth every rupee. Kudos to the researchers.
K
Karthik V
A respectful criticism: The article focuses on the material science, which is great, but what about the collection and processing logistics? In India, creating a reliable supply chain for clean, sorted plastic waste is half the battle. The technology is only part of the solution.
N
Nisha Z

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