Epoxy Asphalt Material Low-Temperature Flexibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Epoxy asphalt materials suffer from poor low-temperature flexibility, poor deformation compatibility with steel bridge pavements, and the generation of temperature stress and fatigue cracks under low-temperature conditions, which are not adequately addressed by existing technologies due to high costs, complex preparation processes, and compatibility issues with asphalt.

Innovation Solution

An economical epoxy resin material is developed, comprising a combination of China-made diphenol propane glycidyl ether resin, a modifying agent, an active curing agent, a titanate coupling agent, and a reversible deformation additive, which synergistically enhance the material's compatibility with asphalt, flexibility, and retention time, allowing for a simple and cost-effective preparation process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If epoxy resin and curing agent are used for asphalt pavement, then deformation resistance and water stability are improved, but low-temperature flexibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeformation resistanceVSAvoidlow-temperature flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite curing system comprising both amine curing agent and imidazole curing agent, where the amine curing agent provides strong bonding and the imidazole curing agent maintains low-temperature flexibility. This composite approach allows the epoxy asphalt to achieve both high deformation resistance and good low-temperature flexibility by combining the advantages of different curing agents.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes the proportion of amine curing agent and imidazole curing agent in the curing system, as well as the epoxy resin content, to achieve the best balance between low-temperature flexibility and deformation resistance. By adjusting these parameters, the material properties can be tuned to meet specific performance requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If imported epoxy resin and matched curing agent are used, then flexibility and compatibility with asphalt are improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with asphaltVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive imported epoxy resin with domestically produced epoxy resin, which achieves similar or better performance when combined with the optimized curing system. This substitution significantly reduces material costs while maintaining or improving compatibility with asphalt and overall flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent develops a composite curing system using readily available amine and imidazole curing agents that work synergistically to achieve excellent compatibility with asphalt, replacing the need for expensive imported specialized curing agents.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Loss of time

If diluent is added to increase retention time, then construction time is extended, but mechanical properties of curing system deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveretention timeVSAvoidmechanical property
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adjusts the ratio of amine curing agent to imidazole curing agent to optimize both retention time and mechanical properties. By carefully controlling these parameters, the system achieves adequate construction time without the need for diluents that would compromise mechanical strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 developed epoxy resin material achieves a uniformly dispersed three-dimensional network structure in asphalt, improving compatibility and mechanical properties, including high tensile strength and flexibility at low temperatures, while reducing production costs and simplifying the preparation process.

Implementation Method 1

component A and component B are mixed and stirred to obtain the epoxy resin material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

achieves a uniformly dispersed three-dimensional network structure in asphalt

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCrosslinking: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 3

a titanate coupling agent, and a reversible deformation additive, which synergistically enhance the material's compatibility with asphalt

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCoupling agent effect: Adhesive

Implementation Method 4

improving flexibility, and retention time, allowing for a simple and cost-effective preparation process

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectViscoelasticity modification: Viscoelasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4293063B1Economical epoxy resin material for epoxy asphalt with low temperature resistance and high flexibility as well as preparation method thereof
Publication Date: 2025.05.14 SOUTHEAST UNIV
  • EP4293063B1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~2

AI summary

The present disclosure discloses an economical epoxy resin material for epoxy asphalt with low-temperature resistance and high flexibility as well as a preparation method thereof. The material comprises 60 parts of an epoxy resin main agent, 0.4 parts to 1.6 parts of a modifying agent, 31 parts to 36.5 parts of an active curing agent, 0.5 parts to 1.5 parts of a titanate coupling agent, and 1.6 parts to 6.4 parts of a reversible deformation additive. The epoxy resin material in the present disclosure has good compatibility with asphalt, can be fully crosslinked in the asphalt to form a network structure, and the synthesized epoxy asphalt has excellent flexibility and long retention time in a low-temperature environment; meanwhile, the epoxy resin system adopts China-made epoxy resin, the price of the used curing agent material is low, and the economy is far superior to that of other high-property epoxy resin system materials on the market. The economic epoxy resin system for epoxy asphalt with low-temperature resistance and high flexibility has excellent properties and a relatively low cost, and is suitable for preparing epoxy asphalt for paving high-grade highway pavements, concrete bridge pavements and steel bridge pavements.