Oxidative Upgrading of Heavy Oil Residues with Polymer-Based Wastes for Sustainable Bitumen Production

In this study, the oxidative upgrading of heavy oil residues using polymer-containing waste for the sustainable production of bitumen was investigated. Oxidation was performed at temperatures of 250-270 °C for 3-4 h with the addition of 2-3 wt.% polyethylene-based waste, under an air flow of 7 L/min. The physical and mechanical characterization of the resulting bitumen demonstrated compliance with oxidized modified bitumen grades OMB 100/130 and OMB 70/100. FTIR spectroscopy revealed the formation of carbonyl and sulfoxide functional groups, indicating the effective oxidative transformation of the bitumen matrix and partial incorporation of polyethylene fragments. NMR spectroscopy confirmed increased aromaticity and carbonyl content, while also detecting polyethylene-derived signals, suggesting compatibility and integration of the polymer waste into the oxidized structure. The thermal and rheological results showed that the optimal conditions for producing high-quality oxidized bitumen involved the use of 2% polymer waste at 270 °C for 4 h, yielding enhanced physical properties and chemical stability. These findings support the feasibility of using polymer-containing waste for bitumen upgrading, offering both environmental and technical advantages. The method not only improves the quality of bitumen but also contributes to waste valorization and circular economy practices in the road construction industry.