Funding/Research Supports
NSERC & Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)
Project Status
Active
Project Overview
Canada is increasingly challenged by the dual pressures of growing plastic waste accumulation and the need to enhance the performance and durability of pavement infrastructure under cold-climate conditions. Research identifies the incorporation of recycled waste plastics (RWP) into asphalt binders and mixtures as a promising strategy to address both environmental pollution and pavement performance challenges. In cold regions such as Canada, asphalt pavements are highly vulnerable to low temperatures, freeze–thaw cycles, and thermal stresses, which accelerate cracking, moisture damage, and structural deterioration. While plastic-modified asphalt has shown improvements in stiffness, durability, and rutting resistance, its behavior under cold climatic conditions and the potential release of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) due to weathering and runoff require further investigation.
To address these challenges, this research focuses on developing sustainable and climate-resilient asphalt mixtures incorporating recycled plastics for cold-region applications. A combined laboratory and analytical approach is adopted to evaluate rheological, mechanical, thermal, and environmental performance. Waste polymers (HDPE, LDPE, EVA, PP, and PET) are processed and integrated into asphalt binders, followed by testing of binder properties (viscosity, DSR, BBR), aging behavior (RTFO, PAV), and freeze–thaw response. Asphalt mixtures are designed using the Superpave system and evaluated through performance tests including rutting, cracking, fatigue resistance, and moisture susceptibility.
The study also investigates polymer–asphalt interactions and dispersion characteristics using advanced techniques such as FTIR and microscopy, while evaluating adhesion and bonding mechanisms between binder and aggregates. Furthermore, water collected during performance testing is analyzed to quantify microplastic release, enabling assessment of environmental implications compared to conventional asphalt systems.
The goal is to develop optimized asphalt formulations that enhance durability, resilience, and sustainability under Canadian climatic conditions. The research addresses key mechanisms such as thermal cracking, deformation resistance, moisture damage, and environmental impacts associated with recycled plastic integration.
Expected outcomes include improved pavement performance, extended service life, reduced maintenance requirements, and lower environmental footprint through waste plastic utilization. In addition, the research supports the training of highly qualified personnel (HQP) in sustainable materials, pavement engineering, and environmental assessment. Overall, this project advances practical and innovative solutions for integrating recycled plastics into asphalt pavements, contributing to long-term infrastructure sustainability and circular economy practices in cold regions.