PLASTIC ROADS

CONTENT

• Plastic Wastes used in construction of roads

• Process 

• Advantages of plastic roads

• Disadvantages of plastic roads

• Conclusion

Plastic Wastes used in construction of roads

• Films ( Carry Bags, Cups) thickness up to 60micron (PE, PP and PS)

• Hard foams (PS) any thickness

• Soft Foams (PE and PP) any thickness.

• Laminated Plastics thickness up to 60 micron (Aluminum coated also) packing materials used for biscuits, chocolates, etc.,

• Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) sheets or Flux sheets should not be used in any case.

Process Step 1

Plastics waste (bags,cups,thermocole) made out of PE,PP and PS cut into a size between 2.36mm and 4.75mm using shredding machine, (PVC waste should be eliminated).

Process Step 2

The aggregate mix is heated to 165°c (as per the HRS specification) and transferred to mixing chamber.

Simillarly the bitumen is to be heated upto a maximum of 160°c (HRS Specification) to have good binding and to preovent weak bonding. (Monitoring the temperature is very important).

Process

At the mixing chamber, the shredded plastics waste is to be added. It get coated uniformly over the aggregate within 30 to 60 seconds, giving an oily look.

Step 3

Process Step 4

The plastics waste coated aggregate is mixed with got bitumen and the resulted mix is used for road construction. The road laying temperature is between 110°c to 120°c. The roller used is 8-ton capacity.

Advantages of plastic roads

Reduce the need of bitumen by around 10% .

Increase the strength and performance of the road.

Reduce the cost to around Rs. 5000/Km. of single lane road.

100% improvement in life of roads.

Reduced penetration and ductility, a higher softening point, less rutting and cold cracking.

Generate jobs for rag pickers.

Disadvantages of plastic roads

1. Cleaning process : Toxics present in the co- mingled plastic waste would

start leaching .2. During the road laying process : In the presence of chlorine will definitely release

noxious HCL gas . 3. After the road laying : It is opined that the first rain will trigger leaching. As

the plastics will merely form a sticky layer, (mechanical abrasion).

The components of the road, once it has been laid, are not inert.

Conclusion

Plastic will increase the melting point of the bitumen .

use of the innovative technology not only strengthened the road construction but also increased the road life .

Help to improve the environment .