Modification of Bitumen with Graphene Oxide-like Material from Lemon Peel Biochar via a Modified Hummers Method

This study examined the effect of a graphene oxide-like (GO-like) carbon material obtained from lemon peel biochar on road bitumen. Pyrolysis of the raw material was conducted at 500, 550 and 600 °C. The graphene oxide-like carbon material was synthesized using a modified Hummers method. Among the investigated pyrolysis temperatures, 550 °C produced the most favorable structural characteristics, including a higher contribution of oxygen-containing groups and a more uniform structure. Adding a selected dosage of 3 wt.% graphene oxide-like carbon material increased shear stress by 20–25 kPa, ultimate strain from 13 to 17%, and fatigue life by 36–109%. The results confirm the potential of using lemon peel biochar to produce a road bitumen modifier.