Investigation of Cotton Straw Fibers for Asphalt Mixtures

Abstract

Cellulose fiber is commonly used to improve the properties of asphalt pavement. However, its production process is complex and costly, consumes valuable forest resources, and pollutes the environment. Cotton straw is a waste of cotton production. Large quantities of cotton straw have not yet been reasonably used. In this study, cotton straw was processed into straw fibers by a simple mechanical pulverization method with a self-made planetary blade crusher. The processing parameters of the cotton straw fibers were selected, and the performance of the cotton straw fiber asphalt mixtures was investigated. Results show, as a potential substitution for cellulose fibers, cotton straw fibers can improve the high-temperature stability, low-temperature properties, and water stability of asphalt mixtures; processing cotton straw into fibers and using them in asphalt mixtures can make better use of waste materials of cotton production and has the advantages of energy conservation, environmental protection, and abundant resources.