Well, there are many kinds of plastic, technically, this could be something new. But some places have been adding plastic to asphalt for a while now, it certainly is cheaper in the short/medium term. And who knows, maybe this has different properties from all the existing systems, but I doubt it. I think this is just reporting research findings on the existing systems.
Currently, where I’ve seen this done, when the road finally does need repair, you have a whole lot of heavy waste to deal with. I don’t have exact numbers on hand for what the financial or environmental cost comparisons are, but I think anyone could infer that reusing 100% of the existing material, and adding an extra 20% in order to repave a road is probably going to be a more optimal option when compared to replacing it all and then dealing with a huge amount of waste.
If they can’t reuse it 100%, then it shouldn’t be considered, obviously. If it adds more microplastic to the environment, then it’s bad, obviously. But we have a shitload of plastic waste and if we can find some reusable way to put it to use, that would be preferred.
Asphalt is recyclable, you can tear it up, drop it in a mixer and after it heats up you can pour it back out.
ADDING PLASTIC BREAKS THIS PROPERTY. DO NOT ADD PLASTIC TO ASPHALT.
Are you certain of that? There are many kinds of plastic with various plasticity and heat properties.
Well, there are many kinds of plastic, technically, this could be something new. But some places have been adding plastic to asphalt for a while now, it certainly is cheaper in the short/medium term. And who knows, maybe this has different properties from all the existing systems, but I doubt it. I think this is just reporting research findings on the existing systems.
Currently, where I’ve seen this done, when the road finally does need repair, you have a whole lot of heavy waste to deal with. I don’t have exact numbers on hand for what the financial or environmental cost comparisons are, but I think anyone could infer that reusing 100% of the existing material, and adding an extra 20% in order to repave a road is probably going to be a more optimal option when compared to replacing it all and then dealing with a huge amount of waste.
If they can’t reuse it 100%, then it shouldn’t be considered, obviously. If it adds more microplastic to the environment, then it’s bad, obviously. But we have a shitload of plastic waste and if we can find some reusable way to put it to use, that would be preferred.