Thin and lightweight lignin-rich pavement for wooden cycling roads

Purpose and goal:

Bike paths are currently made with fossil-based binders. The project aimed to develop a biobased pavement solution on wooden substrate for bike paths by using lignin-based binders. The goal was to verify the feasibility of using lignin-based binders to achieve a thinner pavement solution with retained properties, reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainable transport options.

Expected results and effects:

The project has yielded promising results, leading to successful formulation of lignin-based binders, optimized coating solutions for transportation infrastructure, and satisfactory mechanical properties such as adhesion and friction. It has also achieved a weight reduction of 87%. Expected effects include reduced environmental impact, cost-effective alternatives, and promotion of sustainable mobility.

Approach and implementation:

The project has been carried out according to plan and was divided into four work packages. Ren Fuel K2B AB was the project leader and provided lignin-based binders, lignin expertise, and the production of three samples for evaluation. ModC Networks AB served as the demanding end customer, establishing specifications and evaluating the samples. RISE AB contributed with expertise and support in defining specifications and evaluating samples.