Multifunctional Block Copolymer Asphalt Modifier Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing asphalt modifiers, such as vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon-conjugated diene block copolymers, face challenges in compatibility with asphalt compositions, particularly due to the presence of asphaltene, leading to extended processing times and decreased asphalt quality.

Innovation Solution

Introducing a multifunctional group into the vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon-conjugated diene block copolymer to enhance compatibility with asphalt, thereby improving solubility and modifying performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon-conjugated diene block copolymer is used as asphalt modifier, then physical properties of asphalt are improved, but compatibility with asphalt composition deteriorates due to asphaltene content

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephysical properties of asphaltVSAvoidcompatibility with asphalt composition

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by introducing polar functional groups specifically at the block copolymer chains that interact with asphaltene regions. This localized modification allows the copolymer to maintain its base structure for physical property enhancement while creating specific interaction zones for improved compatibility with polar asphaltene components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite structure by combining vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon-conjugated diene block copolymer with polar functional groups, effectively making the modifier itself a composite material that can interact with both polar and non-polar components of the asphalt composition, thereby resolving the compatibility issue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If block copolymer is used to improve asphalt physical properties, then high-temperature and low-temperature performance are enhanced, but processing time is remarkably extended

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehigh-temperature and low-temperature performanceVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameter of the block copolymer by introducing polar functional groups, which fundamentally alters its interaction characteristics with asphalt components. This parameter change enables faster dissolution and mixing by improving initial compatibility, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining the enhanced temperature performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If asphaltene content in asphalt increases due to oil refining advancement, then refining efficiency is improved, but compatibility with block copolymer deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefining efficiencyVSAvoidcompatibility with block copolymer

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of increased asphaltene content (which causes compatibility issues) into a benefit by designing the block copolymer with polar functional groups that specifically target and interact with asphaltene molecules. This transforms the compatibility problem into an opportunity for enhanced modification performance through selective interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 modified asphalt modifier exhibits excellent compatibility with asphalt, significantly improving workability and physical properties such as low-temperature and high-temperature performance, storage stability, and elasticity.

Implementation Method 1

a vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon-conjugated diene block copolymer into which a certain multifunctional group is introduced may improve compatibility with an asphalt composition

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompatibility enhancement through polar functional groups:

Data Source

PatentUS12305039B2Asphalt modifier and asphalt composition comprising same

Publication Date: 2025.05.20 LG CHEM LTD

AI summary

The present invention relates to an asphalt modifier and an asphalt composition including the same, and more particularly, to an asphalt modifier capable of effectively improving low-temperature properties, high-temperature properties, storage stability, and the like of an asphalt composition due to excellent compatibility with the asphalt composition when a vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon-conjugated diene block copolymer containing a certain multifunctional group is used as the asphalt modifier, and an asphalt composition including the same.