Development and characterization of Bio-oil Derived from Sugar Cane Bagasse for Asphalt Binder Modification

BASIT Ali^*Peilong Li

• Chang’an University, Xi'an, China

The disposal of Sugarcane Bagasse (SCB), a major agricultural by-product, through open dumping and landfilling contributes to environmental issues like water contamination and land scarcity. This study examines the use of bio-asphalt derived from SCB as a sustainable alternative to traditional asphalt binder, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance pavement performance. Binders were modified with 3%, 6%, and 9% of Bio-Oil (BO) by weight, and their properties were evaluated such as penetration, softening point, ductility, flash point, and rheological characteristics. Asphalt mixtures incorporating these modified binders were tested for performance, including rutting resistance, fatigue, and dynamic stiffness, using the wheel tracker, four-point beam fatigue, and dynamic modulus tests. Moisture susceptibility was also assessed through the Rolling Bottle Test (RBT) and asphalt Binder Bond Strength (BBS) test. Resultsshowed that BO-modified binders improved ductility and penetration while reducing softening point and stiffness. This study evaluates the performance of Shell 60/70 penetration grade asphalt binder modified with BO at 3%, 6%, and 9% concentrations. Compared to the base binder, the 9% BO-modified binder showed a 34.8% increase in penetration, a 10% increase in ductility, and a 7°C reduction in softening point, indicating enhanced flexibility and reduced stiffness.Additionally, rut depth increase of 26.72%, 20.68%, and 19.88% for BO concentrations of 9%, 6%, and 3%, respectively. The failure temperature decreased by 64.9°C for the 9% BO binder, aligning with its softening effect. BO modification is most beneficial for recycled mixtures or cooler climates, while in hot regions, its reduced stiffness and failure temperature may limit use without stabilizing additives. These findings highlight the potential of BO as a sustainable alternative to conventional asphalt, with 9% identified as the optimum concentration for performance enhancement, although with higher moisture susceptibility that requires further investigation.