“Modification of structural, mechanical and dielectric properties of bitumen using low density polyethylene (LDPE) and polyaniline (PANI)”

In this study, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polyaniline (PANI) were used as a modifying agent for bitumen of grade 60/70. A composite material was synthesized by mixing LDPE, toluene, and PANI powder in bitumen to investigate structural, mechanical, and dielectric properties. Four samples with varying content of LDPE/PANI were prepared. The structural property was analyzed by using X-ray diffraction. From the results, it has been analyzed that LDPE introduces crystallinity into the structure to some extent. Mechanical properties were analyzed by using penetration by grade, softening point, fire and flash point, and ductility. It was observed that incorporation of LDPE/PANI enhances the stiffness of samples which causes a reduction in penetration and ductility values. The softening point increases from 54°C to 69°C as LDPE/PANI content increases from 0 to 8% respectively. Similarly, fire and flash point increase from 240°C to 342°C and 235°C to 342 as LDPE/PANI content increases. Dielectric properties were investigated using dielectric constant, dielectric loss, and tangent loss. Results revealed that dielectric properties were also affected with the incorporation of LDPE/PANI content. High dielectric constant and high losses were observed as we increased the content of LDPE/PANI.