Anand Sreeram

Bio: Anand Sreeram is an academic researcher from University of Texas at Austin. The author has contributed to research in topics: Asphalt & Materials science. The author has an hindex of 10, co-authored 23 publications receiving 377 citations. Previous affiliations of Anand Sreeram include Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

Influence of Six Rejuvenators on the Performance Properties of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) Binder and 100% Recycled Asphalt Mixtures

Abstract: 100% recycled hot mix asphalt lab samples were modified with five generic and one proprietary rejuvenators at 12% dose and tested for binder and mixture properties. Waste Vegetable Oil, Waste Vegetable Grease, Organic Oil, Distilled Tall Oil, and Aromatic Extract reduced the Superpave performance grade (PG) from 94–12 of extracted binder to PG 64-22 while waste engine oil required higher dose. All products ensured excellent rutting resistance while providing longer fatigue life when compared to virgin mixtures and most lowered critical cracking temperature. Rejuvenated samples required more compaction energy compared to virgin and some oils reduced moisture resistance slightly.

Effect of microplastics in water and aquatic systems.

Abstract: Surging dismissal of plastics into water resources results in the splintered debris generating microscopic particles called microplastics. The reduced size of microplastic makes it easier for intake by aquatic organisms resulting in amassing of noxious wastes, thereby disturbing their physiological functions. Microplastics are abundantly available and exhibit high propensity for interrelating with the ecosystem thereby disrupting the biogenic flora and fauna. About 71% of the earth surface is occupied by oceans, which holds 97% of the earth's water. The remaining 3% is present as water in ponds, streams, glaciers, ice caps, and as water vapor in the atmosphere. Microplastics can accumulate harmful pollutants from the surroundings thereby acting as transport vectors; and simultaneously can leach out chemicals (additives). Plastics in marine undergo splintering and shriveling to form micro/nanoparticles owing to the mechanical and photochemical processes accelerated by waves and sunlight, respectively. Microplastics differ in color and density, considering the type of polymers, and are generally classified according to their origins, i.e., primary and secondary. About 54.5% of microplastics floating in the ocean are polyethylene, and 16.5% are polypropylene, and the rest includes polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polyester, and polyamides. Polyethylene and polypropylene due to its lower density in comparison with marine water floats and affect the oceanic surfaces while materials having higher density sink affecting seafloor. The effects of plastic debris in the water and aquatic systems from various literature and on how COVID-19 has become a reason for microplastic pollution are reviewed in this paper.