Infusing asphalt with plastic could help roads last longer and resist cracking

https://theconversation.com/infusing-asphalt-with-plastic-could-help-roads-last-longer-and-resist-cracking-under-heat-264156

by PaulHoule • 5 months ago

1 5 5 months ago

theconversation.com

remslave• 5 months ago

Superb way to generate more microplastics

LarsAlereon2• 5 months ago

This is discussed in the article, the plastic is bound up in the bitumen so it doesn't release microplastic particles during use.

damnesian• 5 months ago

OK but can't we please try bioplastics for this?

LarsAlereon2• 5 months ago

The point is to have a useful way of getting rid of all the plastic waste we already have and will continue to generate. Plastic isn't going anywhere in the near future because it's a byproduct of natural gas production, which is needed for energy.

PaulHoule• 5 months ago

Well... It is more that a traditional oil refinery has a BTX section

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BTX_(chemistry)

which produces an excess of chemicals in the process of improving the octane of gasoline

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catalytic_reforming

and that is where you get monomers like styrene and Terephthalic acid.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethylene

is another important petrochemical feedstock which can be made from natural gas or other forms of petroleum.

Infusing asphalt with plastic could help roads last longer and resist cracking

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