Towards the Use of Waste Pig Fat as a Novel Potential Bio-Based Rejuvenator for Recycled Asphalt Pavement

This article presents a novel potential bio-based rejuvenator derived from waste pig fat (WPF) for use in recycled asphalt applications. To achieve this purpose, the impact of different doses waste pig fat (e.g., 0, 3, 6, and 9 wt.% WPF) on the reclaimed asphalt pavement binder (RAP-B) performance is investigated. The unmodified and WPF-modified asphalts are characterized by means of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thin-layer chromatography–flame ionization detection (TLC-FID), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Physico-rheological properties of asphalt blends are assessed through Brookfield viscometer, softening point, penetration, and dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) tests. TLC-FID data highlighted that incremental WPF addition into RAP-B restored its original balance maltenes-to-asphaltenes ratio; finding which was supported by FT-IR analysis. SEM disclosed that WPF has a great compatibility with the aged asphalt. AFM observations showed that grease treatment induced a decline in surface roughness (i.e., bee structures) and a rise in friction force (i.e., para-phase dimension) of RAP binder. TGA/DSC studies revealed that the bio-modifier not only possesses an excellent thermal stability but also can substantially enhance the binder low-temperature performance. Empirical and DSR tests demonstrated that WPF improved the low-temperature performance grade of RAP-B, reduced its mixing and compaction temperatures, and noticeably boosted its fatigue cracking resistance. The rejuvenation of aged asphalt employing WPF is feasible and can be an ideal approach to recycle both of RAP and waste pig fats.