Assessing HTL-oil as a renewable component for bitumen
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Nynas AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 476 190 |
| Project duration | November 2023 - June 2024 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | The strategic innovation programme Bioinnovation |
| Call | BioInnovation Hypothesis testing step 1 - Innovative project with higher risk |
Important results from the project
This project is to determine whether a bio-oil produced by hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) is suitable for bitumen application. A bio-oil with increased viscosity has been produced from properly selected biomass under optimized HTL conditions. The formulated bituminous binder incorporating the HTL-oil fulfilled most of asphalt paving specification criteria. Satisfactory long-term aging properties were also observed for the binder. Although there was an issue concerning storage stability, the HTL-oil showed its potential as a renewable component in bitumen.
Expected long term effects
Experimental results indicated that bituminous binders may be formulated by incorporating the HTL-oil produced from wood-based biomass. The use of such a bio-based material in bitumen would contribute to reducing the climate impact of asphalt paving in road construction. This also shows a potential wide use of biomass from the forest industry.
Approach and implementation
The project consists of two work packages carried out by three partners who have different areas of expertise and experience. It was a challenge to produce enough amount of the HTL-oil for bitumen investigation. Great effort has been taken to develop and optimize various experimental conditions. Good collaboration between the partners made it easier to share knowledge and to find a way going forward. In general, the outcome of the project is satisfactory.