Bituminous Compositions With High-Temperature Clay for Aging Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Bituminous compositions face challenges in resisting aging due to temperature and weather variations, particularly from humidity, oxygen diffusion, and UV radiation, with existing solutions focusing on short-term mechanical improvements without long-term studies.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating organically modified clay particles with a degradation start temperature of at least 175°C into bituminous compositions, mixed at specific temperatures and shear rates, enhances long-term resistance to aging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If nanoclays are introduced to improve thermal or mechanical properties and resistance to aging, then short-term mechanical properties are improved, but long-term aging resistance is not sufficiently enhanced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical propertiesVSAvoidlong-term aging resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by selecting clay materials with specific degradation temperatures (greater than or equal to 175°C) and controlling mixing parameters (temperature between 100-200°C, preferably 140-180°C). This ensures the clay remains stable during service life while providing long-term aging resistance, resolving the contradiction between short-term mechanical improvement and long-term reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials by combining bitumen base with organically modified clay particles having specific properties (degradation temperature ≥175°C). This composite approach provides both immediate mechanical enhancement and long-term aging resistance, as the stable clay structure prevents degradation over time while improving mechanical properties initially.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If mixing temperature is increased to improve clay dispersion, then distribution homogeneity is improved, but energy consumption and risk of clay degradation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistribution homogeneityVSAvoidmixing energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the mixing temperature parameter to a specific range (100-200°C, preferably 140-180°C) that balances dispersion quality with energy efficiency and clay stability. This parameter optimization achieves homogeneous distribution without excessive energy consumption or clay degradation, resolving the contradiction between composition stability and energy use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If clay degradation temperature is lowered to reduce manufacturing costs, then material cost is reduced, but resistance to temperature variations and long-term stability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial costVSAvoidlong-term stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent sets the clay degradation temperature parameter to a minimum threshold of 175°C, ensuring long-term stability and temperature resistance. While this may increase material cost compared to lower temperature clays, it guarantees the composition maintains its properties under varying temperature conditions and over extended service life, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing ease and duration of action.

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 modified clay particles significantly improve the bituminous compositions' resistance to long-term aging, demonstrated by reduced oxidation indices and improved mechanical properties.

Implementation Method 1

said organically modified clay particles having a degradation start temperature in air greater than or equal to 175°C

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal stability:

Implementation Method 2

improve their resistance to aging and damage due to humidity, oxygen diffusion (oxidation) or UV radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation resistance: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentEP3728478B1Bituminous compositions comprising a clay having a high degradation temperature
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 TOTALENERGIES ONETECH
  • EP3728478B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3728478B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3728478B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to bituminous compositions comprising a bitumen base and organically modified clay particles distributed in the bitumen base, said organically modified clay particles having an onset degradation temperature in ambient conditions that is greater than or equal to 175°C. The invention also relates to processes for preparing such compositions and to the use thereof in the fields of roadworks and industry.