Abstract
The integration of biochar into asphalt binders represents a significant advancement toward global sustainability in pavement engineering. Produced through biomass pyrolysis, biochar enables the valorization of agricultural and industrial waste while reducing dependence on petroleum-derived binder constituents. This review critically synthesizes current research regarding the impact of biochar on the physical, rheological, and aging performance of bitumen. The evidence consistently shows that biochar improves binder stiffness, raises softening points, and strengthens rutting resistance at elevated temperatures, largely due to its porous microstructure and high carbon content. Biochar-modified binders also exhibit enhanced aging resistance through the adsorption of volatile light fractions. These improvements are primarily ascribed to the carbonaceous composition and high porosity of the biochar particles. However, systemic challenges, including phase stability at high concentrations, long-term oxidative aging, and a lack of standardized characterization protocols, hinder widespread implementation. By identifying consistent findings, contradictions, and critical research gaps across the literature, this review provides a consolidated foundation to guide the transition of biochar-modified bitumen from laboratory investigation to large-scale pavement infrastructure applications.
Keywords
biochar, bitumen, carbon, pavement construction, pyrolysis, rheology, sustainability
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
9-1-2026
Article Number
23
E-ISSN
28134648
Volume
4
Issue
3
Publication Title
Journal of Experimental and Theoretical Analyses
Publisher
MDPI
School
School of Engineering
RAS ID
99636
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Mashaan, N. S., Sirinatha, S., & Dassanayake, C. (2026). Physical and rheological properties of bitumen modified with biochar. Journal of Experimental and Theoretical Analyses, 4(3). https://doi.org/10.3390/jeta4030023