Emission and odour reduction in bitumen at high temperature: A comprehensive assessment of 18 functional additives using HS-GC-MS

Bitumen additives that can reduce emissions in bitumen and asphalt are desirable for managing or mitigating harmful or odorous emissions during infrastructure projects. Assessing and comparing the relative performance of different additive classes is crucial for determining their significance in emission reduction. In this study, a range of additive classes were investigated, including commercial additives, natural products, synthetic chemicals, biomolecules, and solid adsorbents. Headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-GC-MS) was used to measure the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from bitumen after the incorporation of these additives. Among the additives investigated, solid adsorbents such as biochar materials were the most effective in mitigating the emissions of the monitored VOCs by up to 50%. These results suggest that biochar, may be prioritized for managing VOC emissions in asphalt-related projects. • Odorous bitumen needs to be managed to reduce harm to human life. • Additives from natural and synthetic sources can reduce emissions in bitumen. • Biochar materials can reduce volatile organic compounds in bitumen by up to 50%. • Speculations can be made for the complex interaction of bitumen with the additives.