Review of utilization of bamboo fiber in asphalt modification: Insights into preparation, performance, reinforcement, and challenges

Bamboo fiber (BF) is a type of plant fiber obtained directly from bamboo plants or from waste bamboo residue, which can be used as an asphalt modifier. Rational planning and regular cutting of bamboo forest will promote its growth, thus improving the effect of carbon sequestration and absorption. The use of bamboo products is now widespread, and the reuse of waste bamboo residue will reduce smoke pollution from incineration. This paper outlines the preparation method and surface treatment of bamboo fiber, its characteristics, preparation parameters, basic and rheological properties and ageing resistance of it modified asphalt and conventional engineering properties of bamboo fiber modified asphalt mixtures. Cost analysis and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation attempts were then carried out. Lignin fiber (LF) and polyester fiber (PF) are chosen for comparative study and suggestions for further research were made. The results showed that BF modified bitumen has significant mechanical and oil absorption properties compared to LF and PF modified bitumen. However, its low temperature properties varied with the type of base asphalt. In addition, for bamboo fiber modified asphalt, BF significantly increased its low-temperature cracking resistance and moisture sensitivity, but limited its high-temperature stability, and its fatigue properties need to be further investigated. It is suggested that future research should also improve the dispersion uniformity and interfacial bonding of asphalt with BF, and deeply analyze the modification mechanism of BF on asphalt through micro tests and MD simulation. Through the analysis of economic and environmental benefits, bamboo fiber asphalt mixture can effectively reduce project cost and improve global warming and human hazards, etc. The application of BF in asphalt pavements can enrich the variety of road fibers, which is of great significance to the society, economy, and environment.