About Bio-Bitumen:
- Bio bitumen is manufactured using renewable organic materials, such as plant-based oils, agricultural waste, or biomass.
- These materials undergo a special processing method to create a high-quality binder that is similar to traditional bitumen.
- It is an alternative to petroleum-based bitumen that lowers both carbon emissions and import dependency,
- Bio-bitumen production involves multiple steps, depending on the source material used. The key processes include:
- Biomass Collection & Processing: Raw materials such as plant-based oils, lignin, or algae are collected and pre-processed.
- Pyrolysis & Bio-Oil Extraction: Thermal decomposition of biomass at controlled temperatures produces bio-oil, which serves as a precursor for bio bitumen.
- Refining & Modification: Bio-oil undergoes refining and polymer modification to enhance its viscosity, thermal stability, and adhesive properties.
- Blending & Finalization: In some cases, bio bitumen is blended with conventional bitumen to improve performance characteristics while maintaining sustainability benefits.
- Significance of Bio-bitumen: Its production results in significantly lower carbon emissions, making it ideal for eco-friendly projects.
Key Facts about Bio-Bitumen via Pyrolysis Technology
- It is an indigenous innovation developed by CSIR‑Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI) New Delhi and CSIR‑Indian Institute of Petroleum Dehradun (CSIR-IIP)".
- It involves the collection of post-harvest rice straw, its palletisation, and conversion into bio-oil through pyrolysis, which is then blended with conventional bitumen.
- Extensive laboratory tests have shown that 20–30 per cent of conventional bitumen can be safely replaced without compromising performance.
