Rheological Evaluation and Life Cycle Cost Analysis of the Geopolymer Produced from Waste Ferrochrome Electric Arc Furnace Fume as a Composite Component in Bitumen Modification

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of using waste ferrochrome electric arc furnace fume–based geopolymer and styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS)/geopolymer composite as sustainable and eco-friendly materials in asphalt applications. Three percentages of geopolymer (5%, 10%, 15%) and varying amounts of SBS (2.5%, 3%, and 3.5%) were added to the bitumen. The results revealed that both geopolymer and SBS/geopolymer composite improved the mechanical properties of the neat binder and provided bitumen with improved stiffness and elasticity at high temperatures (58°C to 82°C). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated statistically significant results with a 95% confidence interval. Life-cycle cost analysis showed that the use of SBS/geopolymer in bitumen modification reduces production costs and energy consumption. Further research is recommended to compare the effects of geopolymer materials from various waste sources on binder properties.