Euphorbia Balsamifera Gum as a Bio-Based Modifier for Bitumen: A Comparative Physicochemical Study
Keywords:
: Bitumen, Euphorbia Balsamifera Gum, Flexible pavement, modifierAbstract
This study analysed and evaluated the physical and chemical properties of bitumen and Euphorbia balsamifera gum (EBG) for potential application in flexible pavement construction. The physical properties of the binders were evaluated using penetration, softening point, viscosity, flash point, fire point, and ductility tests, while the chemical(element and compound) properties were investigated using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analyses. The penetration test classified the bitumen as 60/70 penetration grade, while EBG exhibited properties corresponding to 40/50 grade. The softening point test showed that bitumen softened at 48°C, whereas EBG softened at 56°C. Viscosity was found to be 150seconds and 185seconds for bitumen and EBG respectively. The flash and fire points of bitumen were 271.5°C and 282.1°C, respectively, compared with 276°C and 287°C for EBG, indicating slightly higher thermal resistance of EBG. FTIR analysis revealed the presence of functional groups associated with saturates, aromatics, resins, and asphaltenes(SARA) in EBG, indicating chemical characteristics relevant to bituminous binder. XRF analysis further contained several elements and compounds also present in bitumen. EDX showed that EBG analysis indicated a substantially higher lead concentration in bitumen (43.68%) than in EBG (1.99%), suggesting that EBG presents a comparatively lower potential environmental hazard with respect to lead content. Overall, the findings demonstrate the potential of Euphorbia Balsamifera gum as a sustainable and locally available bio-based binder and bitumen modifier for flexible pavement applications.
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