Ligumen -- all lignin-based blend for complete bitumen replacement in cold-mix asphalt concrete preparation
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | RISE Research Institutes of Sweden AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 439 000 |
| Project duration | May 2022 - November 2022 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | The strategic innovation programme Bioinnovation |
| Call | BioInnovation: Hypothesis testing step 1 - Innovative project with higher risk |
Important results from the project
We have worked on and reached the following goals: 1. Understanding bitumen binder’s structure and property 2. Modification of kraft lignin 3. Test of different lignin blend formulations 4. Market analysis and IP strategy formulation
Expected long term effects
The developed all-lignin-based blend has been concluded as an innovative bio-alternative binder for bitumen. RISE has planned pre-commercialisation of different modified lignins in RISE LignoCity testbed which will demonstrate value addition and increased demand for kraft lignin towards the Swedish pulp industry. We have also planned to further develop the technique for the cement-modified cold-applied asphalt concrete production in Potmix Products AB which would result in technical expansions to other asphalt productions in Potmix Products AB and in other companies.
Approach and implementation
1. Fractionation and characterization of bitumen for investigation and correlation of bitumen chemical composition and physical properties 2. Preparation and characterization of different chemically modified kraft lignin 3. Examination of binder workability and performance by preparation of different blends of the modified lignins and unmodified lignin by cold applied asphalt preparation and characterization 4. Review of the markets of neat and modified bitumen as well as the potential of lignin production and formulation of our own IP strategy.