Solid Bitumen Composition via Reversible Crosslinking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bitumen used in road construction and industrial applications faces challenges in achieving the right balance of mechanical properties like elasticity, hardness, consistency, and viscosity, and its transportation and storage at high temperatures are energy-intensive and pose safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A bituminous composition comprising bitumen, specific organic compounds, and aromatic groups, which is solid at room temperature, reducing adhesion and agglomeration, and can be transported and stored effectively without heating, maintaining properties over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If bitumen is transported and stored at high temperatures to maintain fluidity, then ease of handling and transport is improved, but energy consumption increases and safety hazards arise
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes reversible crosslinking phase transitions to change the physical state of bitumen between solid and liquid forms. At storage temperatures, the bitumen remains solid due to crosslinked polymer networks, eliminating the need for heating. During application, heating triggers de-crosslinking that transforms the material into a fluid state for easy handling and transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the crosslinking state parameter of the bitumen to control its flow properties. By adjusting the crosslinking degree through temperature-dependent reversible reactions, the material transitions between solid and liquid states, allowing storage without heating while maintaining transportability when heated.
2Strength
If crosslinked polymers are added to improve elasticity, then elastic properties are improved, but viscosity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces dynamic reversible crosslinking that allows the polymer network to form and break based on temperature conditions. This dynamic behavior enables the bitumen to exhibit elastic properties when crosslinked while maintaining lower viscosity during application when de-crosslinked, unlike traditional irreversible crosslinking that permanently increases viscosity.
Solution Approach 2:
The reversible crosslinking mechanism creates periodic formation and breakdown of polymer networks in response to temperature changes. During storage, crosslinking provides elastic strength; during application, heating causes de-crosslinking that periodically reduces viscosity, allowing the material to flow while retaining elastic memory.
3Ease of operation
If bitumen is transported in liquid form to ensure flow, then ease of transport is improved, but safety hazards and regulatory restrictions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs phase transition from solid to liquid state through reversible crosslinking upon heating. During transport and storage, the bitumen remains in a solid crosslinked state, eliminating safety hazards associated with transporting hot liquid bitumen. When heating is applied during unloading, the material transitions to a liquid state for easy pumping and distribution.
4Duration of action of moving object
If hot bitumen is stored in tanks for extended periods, then availability is improved, but property degradation and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reversible crosslinking mechanism enables the bitumen to maintain a solid state during extended storage periods without heating, preserving its properties by preventing oxidation and degradation that occur during prolonged heating. When needed, heating triggers de-crosslinking that restores fluidity for application, ensuring availability without continuous energy input.
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 composition provides improved resistance to creep and deformation, reduces energy consumption, and enhances safety during transport and storage by maintaining its properties and preventing agglomeration, thus addressing the limitations of traditional bitumen handling methods.
Implementation Method 1
a bituminous composition comprising at least: a) bitumen, b) a compound of formula (I)... c) a compound of formula (II)... d) a compound of formula (III)...
Implementation Method 2
The Applicant has surprisingly discovered a new solid bituminous composition at room temperature... allowing to avoid and reduce more effectively adhesion and agglomeration
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a bituminous composition comprising at least: bitumen, a compound of general formula R1-(COOH)z (I), a compound of general formula R2-(NH)nCONH-X-(NHCO)p(NH)n-R3 (II), and a compound of general formula Ar1–R– Ar2 (III), in particular in solid form and divided at ambient temperature. The invention also relates to a method for producing a bituminous composition as defined above and to the use thereof as asphalt binder and/or in various industrial applications.