A certain amount of olive pomace added to the asphalt paving binder could dramatically improve its resistance to cracking and aging of materials as a result of their continued exposure to the elements.
This is confirmed by a new study directed by Kun Zhang, from California State University, collected by the specialized publication Olive oil times in an article signed by Paolo DeAndreis, whose results confirmed some already obtained in previous studies and also explored the production process of a new type of partially more sustainable asphalt.
Olive pomace on the asphalt
Research indicates that olive pomace could improve the strength of asphalt binder in events such as oxidation-induced cracking, fatigue cracking, and cracking due to low-temperature events. Furthermore, the pomace-modified binder mixture also obtained favorable results when compared to the traditional asphalt binder in terms of resistance to rutting.
The study, which has been funded by the Olive Oil Commission of California (OOCC), shows that to obtain its optimal level of antioxidant qualities, the part rich in olive-pomace pulp would have to be precisely separated from the part rich in stone. By applying this dried olive pomace to the asphalt binder, the scientists found that it modified the material with better softening and antioxidant efficacy, greatly improving its final performance. But they also found that adding up to five percent of the pulp-rich portion would neutralize oxidation caused by asphalt mixing and production.
“Using a higher dose of pulp-rich fraction, for example, between fifteen percent and twenty-five percent, could significantly extend the life of modified asphalt binders before experiencing initial and severe cracking induced by oxidation. Compared to the control mix, the asphalt mix with added modified pomace exhibits better resistance to cracking after a long aging period ”, explain those responsible for the research.
Summary
Qualification
Adding olive pomace to the asphalt makes it more resistant
Description
A certain amount of olive pomace added to the asphalt paving binder could dramatically improve its resistance to cracking and aging of materials as a result of their continued exposure to the elements.
Author
Gastronomy Journal