UTC 2022 Funding - Cycle 1 Research Projects

Project No.: CY1-LTU-OU-LSU-01
Title: Replacing Fossil Fuel-Based Asphalt Binder with Sustainable Lignin Binder from Wastes
Performing Institution: Louisiana Tech University, University of Oklahoma, and Louisiana State University
Principal Investigators: Joan Lynam, Louisiana Tech University; Syed Ashik Ali, University of Oklahoma; Mostafa Elseifi, Louisiana State University; Nazimuddin Wasiuddin, Louisiana Tech University; Kenneth Hobson, University of Oklahoma.
Start and Anticipated Completion Dates: 10/1/2023-9/30/2024
Project Descriptiont: With an increased focus on renewable energy nationally, the availability of fossil fuel-based asphalt binders will become an issue. Consequently, asphalt materials costs are expected to rise significantly in the future. Also, fossil fuel-based binders are not sustainable and are detrimental to the environment. In this study, the multi-institutional research team will use an agricultural waste-based binder to partially replace fossil fuel-based binders. The PIs have recently found that a 6% replacement of fossil fuel-derived binder with a sustainably sourced binder can improve the high-temperature performance grade, long-term aging index, and resistance to rutting and cracking performance. In that study, lignin samples from local Louisiana sources, specifically lignin from a paper mill, sugar cane bagasse, and rice husks (hulls), were tested in asphalt binders up to a 6% replacement. However, that study did not include UV oxidation, low-temperature flexibility, and moisture sensitivity that are important to pavement performance. The goal of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of using more than 6% lignin from different sources in asphalt binders as a sustainable and renewable paving material to partially replace (up to 30%) fossil fuel-based binders. Also, the performance of asphalt mixes with lignin-based binder and Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) will be investigated using a balanced mix design (BMD) approach.
Click to read more.