Study on Use of Two Types of Waste Cigarette Filters in Asphalt Mixtures

The modern industrial society we have created offers us many advantages. It provides us with e.g. comfortable and relatively safe environment for self-realization. The positive aspects of the current socio-economic system are, as usual, redeemed by a few negatives. The most prominent of them is probably global climate change. It is directly or indirectly supported by the increasing consumption of energy, materials and goods, important for the economic growth of our society. However, nothing lasts forever, which is why higher consumption is directly related to higher waste production. Since we live in a somewhat closed container, it is important to use waste as meaningfully as possible. These efforts are supported by the initiative of the company EcoButt s.r.o., which focused on the use of waste from tobacco products. Specifically, shredded used cigarette filters and filters from IQOS cigarettes. A mixture of the SMA 8 NH type was chosen, with polymer modified binder 45/80–65. For comparison, a mixture with commercially available cellulose fibers and a mixture with FORTA-FI® fibers were made. The monitored characteristics were the air voids content, water susceptibility, stiffness modulus, average bitumen drainage and resistance to permanent deformation. The results of this initial study show that the use of waste from cigarette products in asphalt mixtures is possible and these materials could find application in pavement layers in the future.