Styrene-Butadiene Latex for Cationic Asphalt Emulsion Adhesion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Asphalt compositions face challenges with adhesion to aggregates, slow asphalt droplet breaking, and high aggregate loss, particularly in cationic asphalt emulsions, which require styrene-butadiene latexes with positive charges and are not economically viable.

Innovation Solution

Development of styrene-butadiene latexes that do not require charge flipping, using non-carboxylated styrene-butadiene copolymers polymerized at various temperatures, allowing for compositions that are more economical and compatible with cationic asphalt emulsions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If cationic surfactants are used to flip the charge of styrene-butadiene latex particles to positive charge for compatibility with cationic asphalt emulsion manufacturing, then the latex particles become compatible with cationic asphalt emulsions, but the manufacturing cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with cationic asphalt emulsionsVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the cationic surfactant component from the system by developing styrene-butadiene latex particles that inherently possess positive charge through their polymer structure. This eliminates the need for additional charge-flipping surfactants, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining compatibility with cationic asphalt emulsions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of latex particle charge by developing copolymers with cationic functional groups (such as quaternary ammonium groups) directly incorporated into the polymer chain. This structural modification creates permanently positive charged particles that are compatible with cationic asphalt emulsions without requiring external surfactants

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If conventional styrene-butadiene latexes are used in cationic asphalt emulsions, then the emulsion can be manufactured, but aggregate loss increases due to slow asphalt droplet breaking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveasphalt droplet breaking speedVSAvoidaggregate loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the polymer structure by incorporating specific functional groups and adjusting the styrene-butadiene ratio to optimize asphalt droplet breaking kinetics. The modified latex promotes faster droplet breaking, thereby reducing aggregate loss and improving production efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite system by integrating asphalt-modifying functional groups directly into the styrene-butadiene polymer structure. This composite approach enhances the latex's ability to promote asphalt droplet breaking while simultaneously improving adhesion to aggregates, reducing aggregate loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Strength

If conventional styrene-butadiene latexes are used in asphalt compositions, then the composition can be formulated, but adhesion to aggregates is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadhesion to aggregatesVSAvoidformulation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality modification by incorporating specific adhesive functional groups (such as carboxyl, hydroxyl, or amine groups) at specific locations within the polymer structure. These localized functional groups enhance adhesion to aggregate surfaces while maintaining the overall simplicity of the formulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent develops a composite latex structure combining styrene-butadiene backbone with adhesion-promoting functional groups. This composite approach enhances aggregate adhesion strength while keeping the formulation process simple and compatible with existing manufacturing techniques

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 styrene-butadiene latexes provide improved adhesion to aggregates, reduce aggregate loss, and enhance viscosity for better workability, while eliminating the need for costly cationic surfactants.

Implementation Method 1

The styrene-butadiene latexes disclosed herein provide improved adhesion to aggregates

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

The compositions comprise styrene-butadiene latexes that can be polymerized at a high temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentUS20260022244A1Styrene-butadiene latexes for asphalt emulsion applications

Publication Date: 2026.01.22 BASF SE

AI summary

Disclosed herein are compositions comprising asphalt emulsion compositions with styrene-butadiene latexes. The present disclosure also relates to methods of making the disclosed compositions. The compositions disclosed herein can be used in a variety of applications including, but not limited to, asphalt compositions, paints, coatings, carpet compositions, paper binding and coating compositions, tack coats, foams, or adhesives.