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Sustainable Polymer Materials for Pavement Applications

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A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Polymer Applications".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2026 | Viewed by 4787

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Dr. Jiasheng Dai

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Guest Editor

School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
Interests: sustainable polymeric materials; pavement materials; polymer-modified asphalt; environmentally friendly construction

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue, entitled "Sustainable Polymer Materials for Pavement Applications", focuses on the latest advancements in sustainable polymer materials for pavement applications, highlighting their crucial role in developing next-generation road infrastructure.

Conventional pavement materials face limitations in durability, environmental impact, and adaptability to changing climate conditions. Sustainable polymer materials offer innovative solutions through enhanced mechanical properties, improved resistance to environmental degradation, and their reduced carbon footprint. Recent breakthroughs in bio-based polymers, recycled polymer composites, and self-healing materials are revolutionizing pavement technology by extending service life, reducing maintenance requirements, and improving overall sustainability.

We particularly welcome contributions that address critical challenges in high-temperature and high-humidity environments, including the multi-scale damage mechanisms and durability of polymer-modified composite pavements, thermoregulation via phase-change polymer composites, interface bonding and thermal compatibility in composite pavement–steel girder systems, and the optimization of polymer-stabilized or polymer-modified asphalt/aggregate structures for long-term performance.

This Special Issue provides a platform for interdisciplinary research bridging material science and civil engineering, offering both fundamental insights and practical solutions for sustainable, climate-resilient infrastructure.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

Fiber-reinforced polymer systems for pavement reinforcement;
Bio-based polymers from renewable resources for pavement application;
Recycled polymer composites for asphalt modification;
Self-healing polymeric materials for crack repair;
Phase-change polymer composites for temperature regulation;
Durability and aging performance of polymer-modified pavements;
Life cycle assessment of sustainable pavement materials.

Dr. Jiasheng Dai
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Polymers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

sustainable polymers
pavement materials
polymer-modified asphalt
bio-based binders
recycled polymers
self-healing materials
life cycle assessment
green construction

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

23 pages, 5890 KB

Open AccessArticle

Preliminary Feasibility Evaluation of Groove-Filling Thermochromic Polyurea Composites for Low-Temperature Visual Warning in Black Ice-Prone Pavements

by Junseo Lee, Hwang-Hee Kim, Yeeun Kim, Chul-Hyun Won, Gyeongho Lee, Kwan Kyu Kim and Jaeheum Yeon

Polymers 2026, 18(15), 1860; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18151860 - 29 Jul 2026

Viewed by 195

Abstract

Black ice poses a serious winter road-safety hazard because its transparent appearance and localized formation make dangerous pavement conditions difficult to detect before vehicles enter affected areas. Converting this hidden low-temperature risk into visible surface information is therefore important for intuitive driver warning and road management. In this study, groove-filling thermochromic polyurea-based composites were fabricated using aliphatic polyurea resin, reversible thermochromic pigment (R.T.P.), and silica sand, and their colorimetric response, mechanical properties, and groove-filling applicability were investigated. Considering visual response and mechanical performance, the mixture containing 10 wt.% binder and 20 phr R.T.P. was selected as the most balanced candidate. For this mixture, the CIE L*a*b* values changed from 58.36, 3.85, and 13.32 for the control specimen to 47.82, 22.95, and 8.52, respectively, indicating a darker and more reddish appearance. The maximum compressive and flexural strengths were 10.13 MPa and 6.20 MPa, respectively. In addition, the selected mixture retained its low-temperature color response in the groove-filled state, confirming its preliminary groove-filling applicability. These results suggest the potential of thermochromic polyurea-based composites as visual-warning pavement materials for winter road safety. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Polymer Materials for Pavement Applications)

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17 pages, 12574 KB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Asphalt Performance with CR/SBS Pellet: A Multiscale Investigation from Performance Characterization to Modification Mechanism

by Wen Li, Zenggang Zhao, Wei Li, Weiwen Quan, Dawei Dong, Shuyang Chen and Shaopeng Wu

Polymers 2026, 18(12), 1474; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18121474 - 12 Jun 2026

Viewed by 403

Abstract

The emergence of a novel crumb rubber (CR)/SBS-polymerized pellet has simplified the complex preparation process of composite-modified asphalt. However, the effectiveness of CR/SBS-polymerized pellets in improving asphalt performance has not been confirmed. This study mainly investigated the performance and reinforcement mechanism of polymerized pellet-modified asphalt. First, polymerized pellet-modified asphalt samples with different contents (10%, 20%, 30% and 40% of the asphalt mass) were prepared. Then, the physical properties, rheological behavior, thermal stability, and aging resistance of the pellet-modified asphalt samples were systematically evaluated, using both base asphalt and a commercially available styrene–butadiene–styrene triblock copolymer (SBS)-modified asphalt as control groups for comparison. Finally, the modification mechanism was explored through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and fluorescence microscopy (FM). The findings demonstrated that the incorporation of polymerized pellets could effectively decrease the penetration, elevate the softening point, and enhance the viscosity of asphalt. In addition, the high- and low-temperature performance, as well as the aging resistance of the modified asphalt, were significantly improved. These enhancing effects became more pronounced with increasing modifier content. The performance of SBS-modified asphalt is between 20% pellets MA and 30% pellets MA. The pyrolysis temperature range of all asphalt samples is 220 °C~500 °C, and infrared spectroscopy indicated that CR/SBS pellet-modified asphalt is mainly a physical mixing process. This work provides a scientific basis for further engineering applications of CR/SBS pellets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Polymer Materials for Pavement Applications)

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14 pages, 1411 KB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing the Durability of Bituminous Concrete Using Plastic Waste on Soft Rock Aggregates

by H. Laldintluanga, Zorinkima and Rebecca Ramhmachhuani

Polymers 2026, 18(7), 813; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18070813 - 27 Mar 2026

Viewed by 787

Abstract

The use of marginal sedimentary aggregates in pavement construction remains a major challenge in mountainous regions due to their high porosity, weak lamination planes, and susceptibility to moisture-induced deterioration. This study investigates the potential of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic waste to enhance the engineering performance of laminated Miocene soft rock aggregates used in bituminous concrete. Aggregates sourced from the Surma Group (Bhuban Formation) in Mizoram, India, were characterized through physico-mechanical, geochemical, and mineralogical analyses to evaluate their durability and moisture sensitivity. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis revealed elevated feldspar and total alkali contents (≈5.15%), indicating a mineralogical composition prone to hydrophilic behavior and stripping within bituminous mixtures. To mitigate these limitations, aggregates were coated with varying proportions of LDPE plastic using the dry process. An optimum LDPE content of 9% by weight of aggregate produced significant improvements in aggregate performance, resulting in a 70.03% reduction in Aggregate Impact Value (from 17.72% to 5.31%), a decrease in Los Angeles Abrasion Value from 42.93% to 31.45%, and an 89.82% reduction in water absorption (from 4.52% to 0.46%). The polymer coating effectively sealed lamination planes and reduced moisture ingress within the sedimentary structure. Bituminous concrete mixtures incorporating LDPE were further evaluated using Marshall stability and indirect tensile strength tests. The addition of 1.1% LDPE by weight of mix significantly enhanced moisture resistance. For mixtures with nominal maximum aggregate sizes (NMASs) of 13 mm and 19 mm, the Tensile Strength Ratio (TSR) increased from 52.59% and 58.58% in the control mixtures to 82.81% and 87.10%, respectively, thereby satisfying the minimum requirement of 80% specified by MoRTH. The results indicate that LDPE functions as a hydrophobic barrier and structural sealant that improves binder–aggregate adhesion and prevents stripping along weak lamination planes. The findings demonstrate that LDPE-modified bituminous concrete provides a sustainable and technically viable strategy for upgrading marginal sedimentary aggregates into durable pavement materials while simultaneously promoting the beneficial reuse of plastic waste. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Polymer Materials for Pavement Applications)

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15 pages, 2665 KB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Aldehyde-Based Modifiers on Rubber Asphalt: Properties, Deodorization Effect, and Mechanistic Analysis

by Honggang Zhang, Jiechao Lei, Hui Huang, Xiaowen Wang, Yongjun Meng, Pengkun Shao and Lihao Zeng

Polymers 2026, 18(7), 799; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18070799 - 26 Mar 2026

Viewed by 544

Abstract

A sustainable way to recycle used tires and improve the functionality of asphalt pavements is through the use of crumb rubber modified asphalt (CRMA). However, its application during high-temperature construction raises environmental and occupational health concerns due to the release of significant quantities of odorous and potentially harmful gases. Therefore, this study selected α-Amyl cinnamic aldehyde (ACA) as a deodorant and added it to CRMA at proportions of 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0% to prepare DCRMA. A number of common tests, such as softening point, ductility, penetration, Brookfield rotational viscosity, and segregation analysis, were used to evaluate the basic characteristics of the modified asphalt. A self-developed asphalt fume monitoring device was used to quantitatively analyze the changes in VOCs, H₂S gas concentration, and solid particle content in the asphalt fumes to assess the deodorization effect of ACA on CRMA. Furthermore, the deodorization mechanism of ACA on CRMA was explored in depth using microscopic methods, such as fluorescence microscopy (FM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The findings demonstrated that ACA can increase the softening point and viscosity of CRMA while decreasing its penetration and ductility. The storage stability was optimal at a 1.0% ACA addition. Additionally, as the ACA content increased, the concentrations of VOCs, H₂S gas, and solid particles in the asphalt fumes continued to decrease. FM results indicated that when the ACA content did not exceed 1.0%, it promoted the swelling degree of CR in the asphalt. FTIR results showed that ACA can reduce the characteristic peak intensity of CRMA. This study offers important technical references and practical support for the environmentally friendly use of CRMA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Polymer Materials for Pavement Applications)

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20 pages, 5186 KB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Evaluation of Performance in Polyethylene Terephthalate Modified Asphalt Mixtures Using Dry Mixing Methods

by Ba Tu Vu and Manh Tuan Nguyen

Polymers 2026, 18(5), 577; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18050577 - 27 Feb 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 563

Abstract

High-quality pavement materials at reasonable prices are crucial for managing many heavy truck loads and hot weather conditions that present significant challenges for researchers, managers, and engineers. One effective strategy is to incorporate polymers into modified asphalt or asphalt mixtures. However, there are several notable challenges when using polymers in asphalt concrete, particularly related to mixing procedures and methods. Worldwide, two primary mixing methods are commonly used, including traditional dry and modified dry techniques. The dry method is usually preferred for using polyethylene terephthalate (PET) due to its various advantages. The indirect tensile strength, static resilient modulus, dynamic modulus, and fatigue tests were examined for all asphalt mixtures with PET using both dry methods. The findings from this research suggest that the modified dry mixing method is more effective, particularly regarding fatigue resistance, based on a systematic analysis of the results. In addition to these experimental investigations, an analysis of flexible pavement design for a typical pavement section has been conducted. This analysis utilized the experimental resilient modulus of all mixtures to predict fatigue life based on the Asphalt Institute model. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Polymer Materials for Pavement Applications)

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17 pages, 2695 KB

Open AccessArticle

Impacts of the Co-Pyrolytic Product from Waste Cooking Oil (WCO) and Polypropylene (PP) on Physical and Rheological Properties of Bitumen

by Neslihan Atasağun

Polymers 2026, 18(4), 475; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18040475 - 13 Feb 2026

Viewed by 598

Abstract

This paper aims to investigate the effects of the co-pyrolytic product produced from the co-pyrolysis of waste cooking oil (WCO) and polypropylene (PP) on pure bitumen by using some physical and rheological tests. To reach this goal, the product was obtained by producing from the co-pyrolysis of WCO and PP at distinct conditions. Different pyrolytic products with different structural properties can be obtained from the co-pyrolysis of various materials at different pyrolysis conditions. It was not found any study in which bitumen was modified with the co-pyrolytic product produced from the co-pyrolysis of WCO and PP materials at specified blending ratios and conditions, as described in this paper. For this reason, this paper investigates the effects of this co-pyrolytic product as an additive on bitumen in order to improve some of the rheological and physical properties of bitumen and to overcome some problems for the first time. The mixture ratio was determined as 1:2 (WCO:PP). PG 64-22 neat bitumen was modified with this co-pyrolytic product, and some features of the bituminous binders were detected by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), penetration, softening point, dynamic shear rheometer (DSR), rotational viscometer (RV), a rolling thin film oven test (RTFOT), a pressurized aging vessel (PAV), a bending beam rheometer (BBR), storage stability, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) tests. From the FTIR results of the modified binders, it was found that the intensity of the peak around 2357.69 cm⁻¹ increased with the addition of this pyrolytic product. This pyrolytic additive hardened the pure bitumen’s consistency, increased its viscosity, improved its resistance against rutting deformations, and enhanced its high-temperature performance. It can be said that PG 64-22 pure bitumen can easily be modified with this pyrolytic product at the conditions described in this study. Additionally, this co-pyrolytic product improved the high-temperature performance grade (PG) of pure bitumen from PG 64 to PG 76 when it was used at 5% of the weight of neat bitumen. The findings demonstrated that the modified bituminous binders containing 3% and 5% co-pyrolytic product had suitable storage stabilities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Polymer Materials for Pavement Applications)

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22 pages, 2651 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Rheological Properties of Warm Mix Flame-Retardant Asphalt (WMFRA) Binder Suitable for Tunnel Area

by Bo Zhang, Juan Liu, Qiaoli Le and Zhen Lu

Polymers 2025, 17(21), 2829; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17212829 - 23 Oct 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 897

Abstract

This study aimed to systematically evaluate the rheological properties of warm mix flame-retardant asphalt (WMFRA). First, conventional performance tests were conducted on the prepared warm mix rubberized asphalt (WMRA), incorporating different warm mix agents in order to screen out an agent with optimum performance. Subsequently, limestone power (LP), aluminum trihydrate (ATH), OA composed of ATH and organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT), and zinc borate (ZK) were employed in the oxygen index (OI) test of WMFRA to determine the optimal dosage of flame retardants. Finally, a dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) and a bending beam rheometer (BBR) were used to evaluate the rheological properties of WMFRA. The results showed that the R-Type warm mix agent was superior to S-Type in reducing consistency and improving low-temperature cracking resistance but slightly weakened high-temperature stability. The OA composite flame retardant could enhance the OI from 20.16% to 24% at 15wt% dosage, thereby meeting the specified flame-retardant requirement. Furthermore, OA could markedly boost the high-temperature performance of WMFRA, exhibiting significantly higher complex modulus (G*) and rutting factor (G*/sinδ) compared to WMFRA with other flame retardants. In general, all flame retardants reduced the temperature sensitivity of WMFRA, with ZK being the most effective at 12.6%. Regarding low-temperature performance, LP and ATH improved stress relaxation of WMFRA, while ZK and OA impaired this capability. All flame retardants reduced low-temperature flexibility, but the low-temperature behavior was still dominated by the S(t). For fatigue performance, LP and ATH degraded the fatigue performance by advancing the damage time by 958.9 s and 669.7 s, respectively. In contrast, ZK improved fatigue performance by increasing the complex shear modulus, thereby extending the fatigue life (N_f50) by 3.2%. This study provided a theoretical basis for the formulation optimization of WMFRA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Polymer Materials for Pavement Applications)

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