In a significant stride towards sustainable maritime infrastructure, researchers have unveiled a novel method to rejuvenate aged asphalt using treated waste cooking oil (TWCO). The study, led by Zhi Zheng from the College of Transportation Engineering at Dalian Maritime University in China, offers a promising solution for the maritime sector’s aging infrastructure, particularly in ports and coastal areas where asphalt surfaces are subjected to harsh conditions.
The research, published in the journal ‘Cleaner Materials’ (translated from Chinese), employed a combination of molecular dynamics simulations and experimental techniques to investigate the rejuvenation process. Zheng and his team developed reliable point-contact diffusion models and layered-contact diffusion models to understand the molecular-level interactions between TWCO and aged asphalt. They found that the solubility parameter differences between TWCO and aged asphalt, as well as between rejuvenated and virgin asphalt, were consistently below 2.1 (J·cm−3)1/2, indicating excellent compatibility.
“This means that the treated waste cooking oil can effectively penetrate and restore the aged asphalt’s molecular structure,” Zheng explained. The study also revealed that the diffusion coefficients of rejuvenated asphalt exceeded those of aged asphalt across all simulated temperatures, confirming a partial restoration of molecular diffusion capacity and microscopic mobility.
The commercial implications of this research are substantial for the maritime industry. As ports and coastal infrastructure age, the need for cost-effective and sustainable maintenance solutions becomes increasingly critical. By utilizing waste cooking oil, a readily available and low-cost resource, the maritime sector can significantly reduce the environmental impact and costs associated with asphalt recycling.
Moreover, the enhanced fusion coefficients, interfacial energy, and work of adhesion observed in the TWCO-rejuvenated system suggest improved durability and longevity of asphalt surfaces. This can translate to reduced maintenance costs and extended service life for maritime infrastructure, benefiting port authorities, shipping companies, and other stakeholders in the maritime supply chain.
The study also highlights the potential for creating new business opportunities in the recycling and treatment of waste cooking oil. Companies specializing in waste management and recycling can explore partnerships with maritime infrastructure maintenance providers to develop and implement TWCO-based rejuvenation technologies.
In summary, Zheng’s research presents a compelling case for the adoption of treated waste cooking oil as a sustainable and effective rejuvenator for aged asphalt in the maritime sector. By leveraging this innovative approach, maritime professionals can contribute to a more sustainable future while addressing the practical challenges of maintaining aging infrastructure. As Zheng noted, “This work provides fundamental insights into the diffusion-fusion mechanisms of TWCO in aged asphalt at multiple scales and establishes a robust computational-experimental framework for developing sustainable asphalt recycling technologies.”