Development of Non-Petroleum Based Binders for Use in Flexible Pavements (TR-594)
Researcher(s)
Principal investigator: Chris Williams, 515-294-4419, rwilliam@iastate.edu (project list)
Project status
In progress
Start date: 08/01/08
End date: 07/31/09
Sponsor(s)/partner(s)
Sponsor(s):Iowa Department of Transportation
Iowa Highway Research Board
About the research
Research objective: 1. To explore the usage of fast pyrolysis co-products as an alternative binder in pavements. 2. To understand the physio-chemical characteristics of bio-oil. 3. To optimize a bio-oil product (production and post-production) for use as a bio binder.
This research wil map out broader concepts and research methods for the project team to leverage monies with inudstry partners for at least $1 million in funding from the Iowa Power Fund.
Research plan: 1. Literature review on stabilizing products with free radicals. 2. Produce bio-oil fractions from a selected feedstock. 3. Physio-chemical characterization of feedstock and bio-oil fractions. 4. Develop bio binder from bio-oil fractions. 5. Rheological testing of bio binder for pavement applications. 6. Chemical characterization of bio binder. 7. Report preparation and presentation.