Converting waste cooking oil and waste rubber powder into asphalt rejuvenator: Preparation parameters and rejuvenation effect

This study attempted to convert waste cooking oil (WCO) and waste rubber powder (WRP) into a favorable asphalt rejuvenator, called WOR rejuvenator, to address challenges in waste management and environmental protection. Firstly, the preparation parameters were optimized based on the response surface methodology to obtain a WOR rejuvenator with balanced recovery of high and low temperature performance for aged asphalt. Subsequently, the rejuvenation effect of the optimized WOR rejuvenator was assessed. Results indicated that WRP content had the most significant impact on the rejuvenation effect of WOR rejuvenator, followed by preparation temperature and preparation time. The recommended preparation parameters for WOR rejuvenator involved adding 39 % WRP to WCO and mixing at 224 ℃ for 61 min. In this case, a 10 % content of WOR rejuvenator can maximize the low-temperature performance of aged asphalt without significantly weakening its high-temperature performance, while greatly improving the fatigue resistance. The optimal content of WOR rejuvenator applied in practice can be adjusted based on the target value of 10 % to meet the rejuvenation needs of asphalt with different aging levels. The findings provide valuable insights into the sustainable utilization of WCO and WRP as well as the recycling of recycled asphalt pavement.