An environmental-friendly procedure for recycling automotive paint sludge

Paint sludge is one of the non-biodegradable and undesirable wastes which are annually produced in large quantities by automotive manufacturing plants. The current study investigates the possibility of producing basic modified bitumen by mixing three different types of solvent-based paint sludge (primer, base, and clear coat) with bitumen. The findings showed, that as the amount of all three types of paint sludge increases, ductility and penetration decrease while softening point remains nearly unchanged. The modified bitumen can be used directly in non-extreme stress applications such as bituminous waterproofing membranes or sealing. It can be modified further with other polymers for more serious applications such as asphalt. Therefore, the paint sludge, hazardous yet valuable waste in the automotive industry, could be used either as a bitumen additive or bitumen filler rather than being discharged into the environment. This approach contributes the efficient management of energy resources. The benefits associated with the proposed approach are enhanced in countries with abundant oil resources.