Characterization and Application of Manure-Based Bio-binder in Asphalt Industry

This paper introduces an environmentally friendly material, bio-binder to be used as partial replacement and modifier for asphalt binder on highways and airport pavements. This new binder is produced from thermochemical conversion of swine manure. To maintain a sustainable development, the highway paving industry has long been actively searching for a renewable alternative for petroleum-based asphalt binder. Production and application of bio-binder can address this need in addition to finding a solution for manure and its waste management. Application of bio-binder will improve asphalt binder’s properties while reducing asphalt pavements construction cost. Production of bio-oil (including bio-fuel and bio-binder) will reduce the need for landfills and lagoons to store swine manure and reduce environmental pollution. Moreover, bio-oil production reduces U.S. dependence on petroleum resources by supplementing 9 million barrels of bio-oil per year. This becomes even more significant taking into account the relatively low cost of bio-binder production ($0.54/gallon) while asphalt binder costs $2/gallon. Furthermore, social and environmental benefits will be gained by adding value to the waste management system and reducing carbon emissions otherwise made by gasoline. Hence, the findings of this study can benefit the economy, the environment, and energy independence. This study showed that addition of bio-binder can improve low temperature properties of asphalt binder significantly. It will also enhance binder’s wetability and workability allowing asphalt producers to conduct mixing and compaction at relatively lower temperature.