Hard-grade asphalt binders, such as AC 20–30, offer excellent resistance to permanent deformation but are inherently brittle, making them highly susceptible to fatigue and low-temperature cracking. While polymer modification addresses these issues, virgin polymers remain expensive. Despite the growing interest in recycled plastics, the rheological impact of complex waste streams, specifically polyvinyl chloride (PVC) derived from flex banners containing plasticizers, on excessively stiff binders within the complete Superpave Performance Grading (PG) framework remains critically underexplored. This study introduces a novel valorization approach by utilizing solvent-extracted flex banner waste (WPVC) as a dual-action modifier. It leverages the stiffening effect of the PVC network alongside the softening effect of leached plasticizers to redistribute the viscoelastic properties of hard-grade bitumen. The primary objective is to upgrade AC 20–30 into a balanced, climate-resilient binder. WPVC was incorporated at 10%, 20%, and 30% by weight. A comprehensive evaluation was performed using microstructural and chemical analyses, including Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), and optical microscopy, along with advanced rheological testing such as frequency sweep (master curve), multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR), linear amplitude sweep (LAS), and the Glover–Rowe (G–R) index. Results demonstrated that WPVC integration significantly improved microstructural homogeneity without accelerating oxidative aging. The 20% WPVC dosage emerged as the optimum configuration, effectively reducing rotational viscosity and excessive high-temperature stiffness while maintaining exceptional rutting resistance suitable for extreme traffic (PG82-E). Crucially, the intermediate-temperature performance was remarkably enhanced; the WPVC20 blend exhibited a 918% increase in fatigue life (at 2.5% strain) in the LAS test compared to the base binder. Furthermore, the G-R index confirmed a substantial reduction in cracking susceptibility. Ultimately, this research provides a sustainable, data-driven pathway for transforming hazardous flex banner waste into a high-value modifier for durable flexible pavements.
New derivatives of Schiff bases were synthesized from the aldehyde derivative (Ma2) which was produced by reacting the mefenamic acid (Ma) with thionyl chloride to obtain the acid halide derivative (Ma1). Compound (Ma1) was dissolved in DMF and mixed with p-hydroxybenzaldehyde which was previously dissolved with pyridine to obtain the aldehyde derivative (Ma2). In the final step, derivatives of Schiff bases were synthesized by reacting the aldehyde (Ma2) with a number of different aromatic primary amines in the presence of glacial acetic acid to obtain the new derivatives Ma [3-10]. The new prepared compounds were characterized by melting points and with spectral data FT-IR, 13C-NMR and 1H-MNR (some of them). The vital effectiven
... Show MoreZigbee, which has the standard IEEE 802.15.4. It is advisable method to build wireless personal area network (WPAN) which demands a low power consumption that can be produced by Zigbee technique. Our paper gives measuring efficiency of Zigbee involving the Physical Layer (PL) and Media Access Control (MAC) sub-layer , which allow a simple interaction between the sensors. We model and simulate two different scenarios, in the first one, we tested the topological characteristics and performance of the IEEE802.15.4 standard in terms of throughput, node to node delay and figure of routers for three network layouts (Star, Mesh and Cluster Tree) using OPNET simulator. The second scenario investigates the self-healing feature on a mesh
... Show MoreThe current Iraqi standard specifications for roads and bridges allowed the prepared Job-Mix Formula for asphalt mixtures to witness some tolerances with regard to the following: coarse aggregate gradation by ± 6.0 %, fine aggregate gradation by ± 4.0 %, filler gradation by ± 2.0 %, asphalt cement content by ± 0.3 % and mixing temperature by ± 15 oC. The objective of this work is to evaluate the behavior of asphalt mixtures prepared by different aggregates gradations (12.5 mm nominal maximum size) that fabricated by several asphalt contents (40-50 grade) and various mixing temperature. All the tolerances specified in the specifications are taken into account, furthermore, the zones beyond these tolerances
... Show MoreFor over a century, the global consumption of asphalt binder in asphalt mixture production has been substantial. In the Heet region (west of Iraq), two distinct forms of natural asphalt (NA) deposits exist: rock asphalt and sulfur spring asphalt. This study focused on using NA sourced from sulfur springs. The aim was to investigate the potential of incorporating NA into local asphalt mixtures. To achieve this, NA was heated to 163°C for varying durations. After heat treatment, laboratory tests were conducted on NA. The findings suggest that by heating NA for 20 hours, it conforms to Iraqi specifications in terms of physical properties. Furthermore, compared to conventional petroleum asphalt, treated NA showed greater
... Show MoreThis study aims to prepare new compounds and investigate them spectroscopically and biologically against selected types of positive and negative bacteria and fungi to demonstrate their biological effectiveness. The prepared ligand combining formaldehyde, indole, sulfa benzamide, and 2-mercapto benzimidazole, a Mannich base ligand (L) was synthesized. The six metal ions including Cobalt (II), Nickel (II), Copper (II), Palladium (II), Platinum (IV), and gold (III) have interacted with the ligand and formed new complexes. Different spectroscopic methods, including C.H.N.S., FTIR, UV- Range visible, 1HNMR, 13CNMR, mass spectra, magnetic moment, and molar conductivity were used to suggest the new geometry of the complexes. The resul
... Show MoreFour metal complexes of Schi base ligand were prepared. To characterize both the ligand and the metal complexes, various techniques were employed, including elemental analysis, FT-IR spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, molar conductivity measurements, magnetic moment determination, melting point, mass spectroscopy, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR spectroscopy. The results showed that the metal complexes formed have the formula [M(L)2Cl2]Cl(n).H2O, where LD Schi base ligand and MDCr(III), Rh(III), Pt(IV) and Au(III), n D 1, 2. Based on spectroscopic analysis, coordination with metal ions involves the ’N’ donor atom of N atoms of the imine and the N-H amid group, and four complexes are suggested to have a six-coordinated octahedral structure. Molar c
... Show MoreIonic liquids (ILs) and deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have been found to be highly effective as electrolytes in TiO2 NTAs-graphite cells when combined with additives that enhance conductivity by reducing the viscosity of these liquids. The presence of CaCl2.6H2O: Acetamide DES with DI water as an additive resulted in a cell voltage of 1.31V and an internal resistance of 19 ohm. This can be attributed to the concentration and quality of the ionic species. The cells exhibited an interesting response to the AlCl3-chloroacetamide IL with dichloromethane DCM as an additive, with a cell voltage of 1.81V and an internal resistance of 5.0 ohm. Once again, this is influenced by the quality and concentration of the ionic species. Furthermore,
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