Studying the Effect of Adding Polymeric Wastes on the Rheological Properties of Asphalt

This research aims to develop various types of asphalt materials with enhanced rheological properties compared to unmodified asphalt. Three types of polymeric materials (PS), (PFR), and (PP)-were used to modify Al-Doura asphalt, with the goal of evaluating their impact on the rheological characteristics of the resulting asphalt systems. These modified materials were then compared with each other with both local and international standards to assess their suitability for specific applications. Polymeric waste materials were used instead of virgin polymers to reduce environmental pollution and lower modification costs. The modification process was carried out using two approaches: physical treatment and chemical treatment. The chemical method involved a catalytic reaction using 2% (FeCl₃) and 1% (S). Results showed that chemical treatment had a more significant positive impact on the rheological properties of the asphalt systems compared to physical treatment. In both approaches, the addition of polymers led to an increase in de-asphaltene %, with the highest values recorded for AsPS (44.5%), AsPFR (40%), and AsPP (40%). Furthermore, chemically modifying asphalt with PS produced the most notable improvements among the tested polymers. Based on key performance indicators such as softening point, penetration, ductility, penetration index (PI), and asphaltene %, the modified asphalt samples demonstrated suitability for use in producing mastic, which are widely applied as waterproofing material.