Evaluation of Lignin Derived from Agricultural Co-products as an Antioxidant in Asphalt (TR-577)

Principal Investigator:

Chris Williams, rwilliam@iastate.edu (other projects)

Project Status: In Progress

Start Date: 03/01/2006
End Date: 04/30/2008


Research Objective: Agricultural derived lignin availability is now at the point that it can be broadly supplied at a level needed fo ruse in asphalt pavements because of the increase in ethanol production from gain sources. Lignin as a co-product of ethanol production is attractive as it is currently valued below that of asphalt.

The overall objective of this research is to evaluate the potential antioxidant activity of lignin and evaluate the technical viability of the concept. Specifically, the research will determine the antioxidant activity of lignin in asphalt for lignins that are currently available or are anticipated to become available in the future. Researchers will also evaluate the range of applicability of the concept to determine if the activity is beneficial in a number of asphalts.

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