Life Cycle Carbon Emissions of Lignin Asphalt Pavements: A Comparative Study on Environmental Impact
摘要
This study investigated the potential of lignin, a renewable biopolymer, as a partial substitute for petroleum-based asphalt in road construction. The research focused on a life cycle assessment (LCA) approach to evaluate the carbon emissions associated with lignin asphalt mixtures across various stages, including material production, asphalt mixing, transportation, and construction. Through experimental analysis and comparison with conventional asphalt, the findings demonstrated the significant environmental benefits of lignin, particularly in its ability to reduce carbon emissions. When lignin replaced 20% of the asphalt, the overall carbon footprint was notably reduced, positioning lignin as a promising alternative for sustainable pavement materials. The study highlighted that, despite the promising results in lowering emissions, further validation was required for the practical feasibility of lignin in real-world road construction projects. This research provides a comprehensive evaluation of lignin's potential in weakening the environmental impact of asphalt used in the engineering, contributing to both academic understanding and engineering application in achieving carbon neutrality goals.