Evaluation of the physical properties of road bitumen modified with sulfur and low-density polyethylene

This study is dedicated to the evaluation of the effect of modification of road bitumen by using technical sulfur and low-density polyethylene on its performance characteristics.The main binding material was petroleum bitumen of grade 60/90, widely used in road construction.The aim of the work is to increase the heat resistance, elasticity and frost resistance of the road surface through the use of various modification levels.As part of the experiment, samples were prepared with 3 and 5% sulfur additions, as well as combined versions with 2% polyethylene.Penetration, softening point, plasticity, and brittleness tests were performed at low temperatures.It was found that penetration at 25C increases from 68 to 81 units, and at 0C from 20 to 23, then decreases slightly to 21.The softening point increases from 43 to 53C, and the plasticity increases from 3.4 to 4.3 cm.The brittleness temperature decreases from -15 to -24C with combined modification.The results confirm that modification with sulfur in combination with polyethylene significantly improves the mechanical and rheological properties of bitumen, increasing its suitability for use under conditions of temperature fluctuations and high load activity.The most optimal composition is recognized as a combination of 5% sulfur and 2% low-density polyethylene, demonstrating a balanced set of characteristics