Bitumen Mixture with Polymer Modifier for Cold Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bitumen mixtures for asphalt production face challenges such as high production and storage costs, safety concerns due to high temperatures, and limited adaptability to varying application requirements, with cold-processable mixtures being expensive and inferior in mechanical properties, and polymer-modified mixtures having storage stability issues and sensitivity to moisture.

Innovation Solution

A bitumen mixture composed of natural asphalt and a modifier containing at least one polymer and a non-polar, hydrophobic, viscous liquid, allowing for on-site production and adjustment of properties, reducing storage and transport needs, and enhancing mechanical properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional bitumen mixtures are produced and stored at high temperatures, then good workability and fluidity are achieved, but production and storage costs increase, safety concerns arise, and energy consumption rises

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveworkabilityVSAvoidstorage energy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the temperature parameter from high (conventional) to low/cold (invention), enabling bitumen mixtures to be stored and transported without heating while maintaining workability through chemical modification with polymers and additives that provide cold-processability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates composite bitumen materials by combining conventional bitumen with polymers, additives, and modifiers to achieve cold-processable properties while maintaining the desired workability and mechanical performance at lower temperatures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Use of energy by stationary object

If cold-processable bitumen mixtures are used, then production and storage costs are reduced and safety is improved, but mechanical properties and resistance to shear stresses deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage energyVSAvoidresistance to shear stresses

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite materials combining bitumen with polymers and additives that provide both cold-processability and enhanced mechanical strength, resolving the contradiction between low-temperature processing and shear resistance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of bitumen through polymer addition and chemical reactions that occur at lower temperatures, creating materials with improved mechanical properties while maintaining cold-processability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If polymer-modified bitumen mixtures are used, then mechanical properties are optimized, but storage stability deteriorates and sensitivity to moisture increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical propertiesVSAvoidstorage stability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces additives and modifiers as intermediaries between the polymer and bitumen that improve compatibility and reduce moisture sensitivity, enhancing storage stability while maintaining mechanical property improvements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adjusts the chemical composition parameters by selecting specific polymer types, additives, and ratios that optimize both mechanical properties and storage stability, reducing the sensitivity to moisture through careful parameter selection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If bitumen mixtures are produced on-site, then transport costs are reduced and adaptability to specific applications is improved, but production complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to applicationsVSAvoidproduction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the bitumen mixture into separate components (base bitumen, polymers, additives) that can be stored separately and mixed on-site, simplifying on-site production equipment while maintaining adaptability to different applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal base mixture that can be adapted to different applications through simple additive adjustments, reducing production complexity while maintaining versatility across various uses

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution enables the production of bitumen mixtures with improved mechanical properties, reduced production and storage costs, enhanced safety, and adaptability to specific applications, resulting in longer-lasting and durable asphalt surfaces.

Implementation Method 1

a non-polar, hydrophobic and preferably viscous liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrophobic interaction: Hydrophobe

Data Source

PatentEP4039739A1Bitumen mixture

Publication Date: 2022.08.10 EUROVIA SERVICES GMBH

AI summary

The present invention relates to a bitumen mixture comprising a natural asphalt and a modifying agent, which is particularly suitable for the production of asphalt.