Statistical Modelling and Analysis of Modified Bituminous Mix using Nitrile Rubber and Thermosets

Abstract

India is developing as an automotive hub and has sufficient nitrile manufacturing capabilities to fulfill newlinecurrent demand. However, immense nitrile waste is likely to be generated over time, and its disposal may become a big concern. Nitrile has many distinctive properties that are ideal for the road surface. Few tests using nitrile in bitumen have been performed and the findings have been promising. In the last few decades, different solutions have been used to eliminate limitations to the commonly used polymer modifiers, of which the usage of thermosets has a great scope in the modified bituminous pavements. At present most of the highways and roads are being constructed using bitumen only which is a by-product of the distillation of crude oil. Since India is not having much reserve of oil and we have to largely depend on imports hence a constant effort is being made to reduce the dependence on bitumen for road construction. One alternate is to make use of industrial wastes and make a modified bituminous mix which in turn is economical as well improves the life of the road surface. Numerous studies have been done in the past decade for utilizations of plastic waste, rubber tyre waste, etc. and the results have been encouraging. Nitrile Rubber Waste is extensively produced in the automobile sector. It has certain unique properties like resistant to oil, fuels and acids, high tensile strength etc. which are more suitable for the road surface. In order to achieve further economy in road construction, Thermosets such as Bakelite, Furan Resin and Epoxy Resin which too are abundant in our country and much cheap were used as a partial bitumen alternative. newline