Oil Sludge as a Rejuvenator for Aged Bitumen: Structural and Thermal Effect
Aitkaliyeva G. Ashimova S. Baidullayev I. Merkibayev Y. Yelubay M. Toleutay G. Oliviero Rossi C.
June 2025Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)
Applied Sciences (Switzerland)
2025#15Issue 12
This study explores the potential of oil sludge, a hazardous by-product of the oil industry, as a sustainable rejuvenator for restoring the physicochemical and rheological properties of aged bitumen. Aged binder samples were modified with different concentrations of oil sludge (1%, 3%, and 5%) and analyzed using dynamic shear rheometry (DSR), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The incorporation of 5% oil sludge increased penetration from 60 to 71 mm and the softening point from 55 °C to 72 °C, indicating enhanced flexibility. DSR measurements showed a ~10% decrease in complex modulus (G*) and a slight increase in phase angle, confirming partial rheological recovery. FTIR spectra revealed partial restoration of aliphatic and aromatic functional groups, with a decrease in sulfoxide absorption bands, while SEM analysis indicated improved homogeneity and reduced microcracking. TGA confirmed enhanced thermal behavior and a reduction in residual mass. The novelty of this work lies in the first-time application of regionally sourced oil sludge as a rejuvenator, evaluated through a multiscale analytical framework. These findings demonstrate the dual benefits of performance recovery and hazardous waste valorization, contributing to sustainable road maintenance within a circular economy approach.
bitumen rejuvenation , circular economy , oil sludge , sustainable pavement , waste valorization
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Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Satbayev University, Almaty, 050013, Kazakhstan
Faculty of Natural Science and Geography, Abai University, Almaty, 050010, Kazakhstan
Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technologies, Toraighyrov University, Pavlodar, 14008, Kazakhstan
Chemistry Department, University of Tennessee, Memphis, 37996, TN, United States
Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technologies, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering
Faculty of Natural Science and Geography
Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technologies
Chemistry Department
Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technologies
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