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Article

Sustainable Modification of Bitumen Using Waste Toner and Lignin

by
Başak Varli Bingöl
1,
Samed Oğuzhan Fiat
1,
Ömer Genç
1,
Mehmet Emin Özdemir
1 and
Murat Yaylaci
2,*
1
Department of Civil Engineering, Cankiri Karatekin University, Çankırı 18100, Turkey
2
Department of Civil Engineering, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Rize 53100, Turkey
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Polymers 2026, 18(4), 446; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18040446
Submission received: 15 January 2026 / Revised: 4 February 2026 / Accepted: 6 February 2026 / Published: 10 February 2026
(This article belongs to the Section Polymer Composites and Nanocomposites)

Abstract

Integrating waste materials into road infrastructure is essential for environmental sustainability and resource efficiency. This study addresses the modification of short-term-aged 50/70-penetration-grade bitumen using two sustainable additives: waste toner powder and lignin. Waste toner was added at weight percentages of 4%, 8%, 12%, and 16%, while lignin was added at 15% and 20%. Since these modifiers have individual uses, this study examines how they may strengthen the oxidized binder. It focuses on extending the lifespan of the mixture by combining industrial and bio-based polymers. The main aim was to delineate the impact of these modifiers on the physical consistency, low-temperature flexibility, and microstructural morphology of the binder. The results show that both modifiers increase binder stiffness by reducing penetration at all modification rates. The resins in the waste toner enhance the polymer matrix, and the lignin’s aromatic structure increases the elastic components, improving high-temperature stability. However, ductility tests showed a reduction in elongation capability, suggesting a brittle state at lower temperatures. Also, waste toner additive is identified as the ideal modifier for high-temperature applications. SEM analysis illuminated the mechanisms underlying these performance modifications. Both additives had homogeneous distribution and good bitumen matrix interfacial bonding at lower concentrations.
Keywords: modified asphalt binders; waste toner; lignin; sustainability; thermal aging; rheology modified asphalt binders; waste toner; lignin; sustainability; thermal aging; rheology
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MDPI and ACS Style

Varli Bingöl, B.; Fiat, S.O.; Genç, Ö.; Özdemir, M.E.; Yaylaci, M. Sustainable Modification of Bitumen Using Waste Toner and Lignin. Polymers 2026, 18, 446. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18040446

AMA Style

Varli Bingöl B, Fiat SO, Genç Ö, Özdemir ME, Yaylaci M. Sustainable Modification of Bitumen Using Waste Toner and Lignin. Polymers. 2026; 18(4):446. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18040446

Chicago/Turabian Style

Varli Bingöl, Başak, Samed Oğuzhan Fiat, Ömer Genç, Mehmet Emin Özdemir, and Murat Yaylaci. 2026. "Sustainable Modification of Bitumen Using Waste Toner and Lignin" Polymers 18, no. 4: 446. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18040446

APA Style

Varli Bingöl, B., Fiat, S. O., Genç, Ö., Özdemir, M. E., & Yaylaci, M. (2026). Sustainable Modification of Bitumen Using Waste Toner and Lignin. Polymers, 18(4), 446. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18040446

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