Effects of Application of Waste Tea on Properties of Asphalt Binder and Mixture

Recently, nano materials that have high active surface area and small particle size are used to improve the properties of the asphalt binder and mixture. However, the most important factor that limits the use of nano materials is cost. Therefore, in this study, nano waste tea, which is economical, environmentally friendly, sustainable, and less energy consuming was obtained via incineration of waste tea. To study its use in pavement for the first time, the effects of nano waste tea on asphalt binder and mixture were evaluated with three different usages. Initially, the properties of asphalt mixtures prepared with 1%, 3%, and 5% nano waste tea instead of filler were examined. Then, asphalt binder was modified with 2%, 4%, and 6% nano waste tea and asphalt mixtures produced with these binders tested out. Finally, the mixture properties of asphalt binders modified with 1%, 3%, and 5% bio-oil obtained from the pyrolysis of waste tea were investigated. In the present study, it was determined that asphalt binder and asphalt mixtures prepared with nano waste tea used in three different ways all provided specification limit values. According to the obtained results, although the indirect tensile strength of asphalt mixtures containing nano waste tea decreased for both the dry and wet methods, it was observed that nano waste tea had a positive effect on moisture susceptibility. Thus, the present study has determined a nano material that is economical, environmentally friendly, and sustainable and can be used in pavement.