Understanding the Limitations of Modifying Bitumen with Re-Refined Engine Oil Bottom (REOB)

The evolving bitumen market is increasingly complex due to variations in crude sources and transitions in refining processes, affecting the properties of bitumen. Unexpected additions of materials to alter bitumen’s properties could occur, where traditional PEN grade testing fails to detect modifications by inclusion of, for example, Re-refined Engine Oil Bottoms. This is the first study to comprehensively compare REOBs from European vs. North American sources and assess their effects on binder performance in a unified framework, performed by assessing the REOB-modified binders by identification, stability, compatibility, ageing susceptibility, and low-temperature properties. Two series of REOB-modified bitumen were prepared by blending 5, 10, and 15 wt.% REOB into hard grade bitumen. Results showed increased carbonyl formations (likely caused by lubricant additives) and phase instability during storage which can be attributed to saturates exudation. Rheological assessment demonstrated that REOB softens bitumen, although ageing causes a pronounced gain in stiffness. Low temperature rheological measurements showed that REOB-modified bitumen is prone to brittle fracture, suggesting a loss of relaxation properties. This study highlights that REOB is a material of inconsistent nature, with complex interactions with molecular groups of the base bitumen, causing increased ageing, phase instability, and brittle fracture susceptibilities.