Thermoset Asphalt Modifier Dry Process Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current thermoset-modified asphalt technologies face challenges in compatibility and stability, particularly with epoxy resin and asphalt, leading to complex and costly processes, and issues with thermostability during transportation and storage.

Innovation Solution

A thermoset modified additive for asphalt mixture is prepared using a dry process modification technology, comprising a mixture of resin, curing agent, promoter, flow agent, filler, and additive, which are extruded and ground into a powdery form for easy dispersion, and then mixed with mineral aggregate and asphalt, avoiding the need for complex compatibility enhancements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If epoxy resin and curing agent are directly added into asphalt to form epoxy-modified asphalt, then thermoset modification is achieved, but compatibility issues arise and the process becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermoset modification effectVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the thermoset modification process into two independent parts: (1) pre-mixed epoxy resin and curing agent in separate storage tanks, and (2) the asphalt mixture. The epoxy resin and curing agent are only combined at the mixing stage with the aggregate and asphalt, avoiding premature reaction and compatibility issues while simplifying the overall process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention performs preliminary preparation by pre-mixing epoxy resin with curing agent in specific proportions before the actual asphalt modification process. This preliminary mixing ensures proper compatibility and prevents premature curing reactions, while the pre-mixed composition can be stored and used as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If thermoset-modified asphalt is prepared using conventional wet modification technology, then modified asphalt is produced, but thermostability deteriorates during transportation and storage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodified asphalt stabilityVSAvoidstorage stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the thermoset components (epoxy resin and curing agent) into separate storage tanks, preventing premature reaction between them. This segmentation maintains the stability of individual components during transportation and storage, while enabling controlled reaction only when needed during the asphalt mixing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention controls the reaction parameters by adjusting the mixing temperature (130-210°C) and timing of component addition. By changing these parameters, the invention ensures that the epoxy resin and curing agent remain stable during storage but react properly during asphalt modification, resolving the thermostability issue.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If complex compatibility enhancement methods are used to improve epoxy-resin-asphalt compatibility, then modified asphalt can be formed, but production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecompatibilityVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention enables the asphalt mixture itself to serve as the mixing medium and reaction medium for the epoxy resin and curing agent. The asphalt, aggregate, and mineral powder provide a natural matrix for the thermoset components to react and bond, eliminating the need for additional expensive compatibilizers or modifiers while achieving good compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 solution provides a stable and cost-effective asphalt mixture suitable for high-stress applications like steel bridge decks and highways, with improved thermostability and reduced production costs, overcoming compatibility and stability issues of conventional methods.

Implementation Method 1

adding the mixture into an extruder for extrusion treatment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

adding the mixture into an extruder for extrusion treatment, so as to obtain an extruded material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectExtrusion: Extrusion

Implementation Method 3

the thermosetting resin is reacted with curing agent in a curing reaction to form an irreversible cured substance which is crosslinked in is network structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical Bonding: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS10030146B2Thermoset modified additive for asphalt mixture, preparation method thereof and asphalt mixture
Publication Date: 2018.07.24 CHINAHIGHWAY BEIJING ENG MATERIALS TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A thermoset modified additive for asphalt mixture includes the following raw materials: resin, curing agent, promoter, flow agent, filler and additive, wherein the weight part proportions of the raw materials are: resin 35-70, curing agent 1-35, promoter 0-2.5, flow agent 0-6, filler 20-40 and additive 0-2. The asphalt mixture includes thermoset modified additive for asphalt mixture, matrix asphalt or modified asphalt and mineral aggregate, wherein the weight part proportions of the raw materials are: thermoset modified additive for asphalt mixture 1-5, matrix asphalt 2-8 and mineral aggregate 87-97. The thermoset modified additive for asphalt mixture is prepared by dry process modification technology; the prepared modified additive is powdery, has small particle size, and is easy to disperse in asphalt mixture; and the asphalt mixture prepared from the modified additive has simple operation process and low cost, and can be subjected to continuous production.