Asphalt Modifier Package Storage Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Asphalt-modified with Ground Tire Rubber (GTR) faces challenges in storage stability due to particle settling, especially at elevated temperatures, and existing solutions are costly and introduce undesirable qualities like causticity.
Innovation Solution
An asphalt modifier package comprising GTR, an amine functionalized wax, and an elastomeric polymer, where GTR can have larger particle sizes and the amine functionalized wax encourages interaction with asphalt components to prevent settling, improving storage stability and physical characteristics without introducing causticity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If GTR particles are made extremely small (140 mesh or smaller) to prevent settling, then storage stability improves, but manufacturing cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (asphalt binder with specific chemical composition and viscosity characteristics) that mediates between the GTR particles and prevents their settling without requiring extreme particle size reduction. The binder acts as a stabilizing medium that maintains GTR particles in suspension through appropriate rheological properties and chemical interactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of GTR particle size from extremely small (140 mesh or smaller) to a broader range including larger particles, while compensating by adjusting other parameters of the asphalt binder (chemical composition, viscosity, temperature range) to maintain storage stability without the need for excessive particle fineness.
2Stability of the object's composition
If additional additives (inorganic or organic acids) are used to prevent GTR settling, then storage stability improves, but cost increases and undesirable caustic action is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of caustic additives into a benefit by using the natural chemical composition of asphalt binder (which contains natural acids and resins) to achieve the same stabilizing effect without introducing external caustic substances. The asphalt's inherent chemical properties are utilized to prevent GTR settling while avoiding the harmful effects of added acidic additives.
Solution Approach 2:
The asphalt binder serves itself by utilizing its own chemical composition and rheological properties to prevent GTR particle settling, rather than requiring external additives. The binder's natural acids, resins, and viscosity characteristics provide the stabilizing function that would otherwise require additional costly and potentially harmful additives.
3Stability of the object's composition
If continuous mixing is implemented to prevent GTR settling, then storage stability improves, but energy consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by properly formulating the asphalt binder with appropriate chemical composition and viscosity characteristics before mixing with GTR particles. This pre-prepared binder composition provides inherent stability that prevents settling during storage and transport, eliminating the need for continuous mixing operations and reducing energy consumption.
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 modifier package achieves excellent storage stability and physical properties, such as reduced rutting and deformation resistance, at a low add-in level, without the need for small GTR particle sizes or costly additives, ensuring stability and performance in asphalt applications.
Implementation Method 1
the amine functionalized wax encourages interaction with asphalt components to prevent settling
Implementation Method 2
The elastomeric polymer can include a reactive elastomeric terpolymer (RET)... improving storage stability and physical characteristics
Data Source
AI summary
Asphalt modifier packages and rubber-modified asphalts including the packages are described. Asphalt modifier packages can include an amine functionalized wax and an elastomeric polymer in conjunction with ground tire rubber. Asphalt modifiers can include a ground tire rubber compounded with a reactive elastomeric terpolymer. Rubber-modified asphalts can exhibit an excellent stability of the ground tire rubber additive. Rubber-modified asphalts can exhibit a storage stability separation factor of about 6° F. or less, an MSCR Jnr value of from about 0.05 to about 2 at 3.2 kPa and 67° C., and an MSCR percent recovery of from about 20% to about 75% at 3.2 kPa and 67° C.