Asphalt Composition with Epoxy Copolymer and Asphaltene
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing asphalt compositions face challenges in improving reactivity to enhance the performance of polymer modifier systems, particularly in terms of rheological and tensile properties, while also needing to incorporate more sustainable materials without compromising binder performance.
Innovation Solution
The addition of supplemental asphaltenes to an asphalt composition that includes at least 70 wt.% asphalt, 0.25 wt.% to 5 wt.% epoxy-functionalized ethylene copolymer, and 0.5 wt.% to 10 wt.% supplemental asphaltene, which enhances the reactivity and performance of the polymer modifier systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If polymer modifiers are added to improve asphalt performance, then rheological and tensile properties are enhanced, but phase separation occurs during handling and storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses chemically reactive terpolymers that combine multiple functional groups (carboxyl, hydroxyl, and epoxy groups) in a single polymer chain. This composite structure allows the polymer to interact with multiple asphalt components simultaneously, improving miscibility and reducing phase separation while maintaining enhanced rheological and tensile properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the polymer by incorporating different functional groups at controlled ratios. The carboxyl groups (0.1-5 mmol/g), hydroxyl groups (0.1-5 mmol/g), and epoxy groups (0.1-5 mmol/g) are adjusted to optimize reactivity with asphalt components, thereby improving compatibility and reducing phase separation.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional asphalt compositions are used, then cost is reduced, but reactivity is insufficient to enhance polymer modifier performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the asphalt binder by incorporating supplemental asphaltenes (5-20 wt%) and resins (5-20 wt%) to increase the overall reactivity of the system. This allows conventional cost-effective polymer modifiers to perform better without requiring expensive specialized additives.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses asphaltenes and resins as intermediary substances that mediate between the polymer modifier and the base asphalt. These intermediaries enhance the chemical interaction and reactivity of the system, allowing standard polymer modifiers to achieve improved performance at lower costs.
3Reliability
If sustainable materials are incorporated into asphalt, then environmental benefits are achieved, but binder performance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the functional group content parameters of the polymer (carboxyl: 0.1-5 mmol/g, hydroxyl: 0.1-5 mmol/g, epoxy: 0.1-5 mmol/g) to optimize both sustainability and performance. By controlling these parameters, the patent achieves improved environmental compatibility through enhanced polymer-asphalt compatibility while maintaining or improving binder performance metrics.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The improved asphalt composition exhibits enhanced rheological and tensile properties, as determined by Multiple Stress Creep Recovery (MSCR) testing, while also providing sustainability benefits by using recycled polymer components.
Implementation Method 1
Chemically reactive terpolymers have been successfully used to improve polymer miscibility to reduce polymer phase separation during handling and storage of polymer modified systems
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides embodiments of an asphalt composition and methods of making that may include asphalt, supplemental asphaltene, and epoxy-functionalized polyethylene.