Modification of Bitumen with Mechanochemically Devulcanized Crumb Rubber
Akkenzheyeva A. Bussurmanova A. Yensegenova U. Haritonovs V. Meri R.M. Imanbayev Y. Ayapbergenov Y. Sydykov S. Murzabekov A.
August 2025Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)
Processes
2025#13Issue 8
This study investigates the modification of bitumen using mechanochemically devulcanized crumb rubber. The objective of this research is to enhance the performance characteristics of bituminous binders while addressing the inherent limitations associated with conventional crumb rubber (CCR), such as insufficient dispersion, elevated viscosity, and phase instability. Preliminary chemical activation of the crumb rubber was performed using a planetary ball mill, followed by thermomechanical devulcanization on a two-roll open mixing mill. Structural features of the devulcanized crumb rubber were analyzed using infrared spectroscopy, which confirmed the breakdown of S–S bonds. This study presents a comparative analysis of the performance characteristics of rubber–bitumen binders produced using both conventional rubber crumb (CRC) and devulcanized rubber crumb (DRC). The use of DCR, obtained mechanochemically from rubber waste, improved penetration, Fraass breaking point and the ring and ball softening point on average at high concentrations (20; 25% crumb rubber) compared to conventional crumb rubber by 33%, 66% and 2.4%, respectively. Optical microscopy revealed the formation of a uniform mesh-like rubber structure within the bitumen matrix, which contributes to enhanced performance characteristics of the modified binder and improved mechanical strength of the material. The key contribution of this work lies in the development and experimental validation of an efficient approach to deep devulcanization of crumb rubber via mechanochemical activation using readily available nitrogen-containing reagents. Furthermore, the study establishes a direct correlation between the degree of devulcanization, the dispersion quality of rubber particles within the bitumen matrix, and the resultant performance characteristics of the modified binder.
infrared spectroscopy , mechanochemically devulcanized crumb rubber , modification , optical microscopy , petroleum bitumen
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Engineering Faculty, Yessenov University, 32 Microdistrict, Aktau, 130003, Kazakhstan
Science and Technology Faculty, Yessenov University, 32 Microdistrict, Aktau, 130003, Kazakhstan
Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Al-Farabi Ave. 71, Almaty, 050040, Kazakhstan
Faculty of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, Riga Technical University, 6A Kipsalas Street, Riga, LV-1048, Latvia
Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technologies, Riga Technical University, 3 Paula Valdena Street, Riga, LV-1048, Latvia
Laboratory of Petrochemical Processes, RSE “Institute of Combustion Problems”, Bogenbay Street, 172, Almaty, 050012, Kazakhstan
Branch of LLP “KMG Engineering” “KazNIPImunaigas”, 35 Microdistrict, Section 6/1, Aktau, 130000, Kazakhstan
LLP “JV” CASPI BITUM” Aktau Bitumen Plant, Industrial Zone 5, Building 65, Aktau, 130000, Kazakhstan
Chemistry and Biology Faculty, Nazarbayev Intellectual School, 33 Microdistrict, Building 16, Aktau, 130000, Kazakhstan
Engineering Faculty
Science and Technology Faculty
Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology
Faculty of Civil and Mechanical Engineering
Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technologies
Laboratory of Petrochemical Processes
Branch of LLP “KMG Engineering” “KazNIPImunaigas”
LLP “JV” CASPI BITUM” Aktau Bitumen Plant
Chemistry and Biology Faculty
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