Waterborne Polymer Modified Emulsified Asphalt Mixture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cold-mixed asphalt mixtures have poor pavement performance and are limited to low-quality road surfaces or small-range repairs, while existing waterborne polymer modified emulsified asphalt mixtures face challenges in uniformity and strength due to complex synthesis processes and low waterborne polymer content.

Innovation Solution

A waterborne polymer modified emulsified asphalt mixture is developed using a simple preparation method that combines a mineral aggregate with a waterborne polyurethane, acrylic resin, or epoxy resin emulsion, forming a high-performance composite system with self-crosslinking properties, which can be cured at normal temperature without generating alligator cracks, and is suitable for micro-surfacing applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If conventional cold-mixed asphalt mixtures are used to reduce energy consumption, then energy use is reduced, but pavement performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidpavement performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses waterborne polymer emulsion (containing polyurethane, acrylic resin, or epoxy resin) as a modifier to create a composite emulsified asphalt mixture. This composite material combines the binding properties of emulsified asphalt with the adhesive and structural strengths of waterborne polymers, enabling cold-mixed asphalt to achieve pavement performance comparable to or exceeding hot-mixed asphalt while maintaining low energy consumption and environmental benefits

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If waterborne polyurethane is used to modify emulsified asphalt to improve pavement performance, then adhesion and abrasion resistance are improved, but the synthesis process becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion and abrasion resistanceVSAvoidsynthesis process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and utilizes commercially available waterborne polyurethane emulsion as a ready-to-use modifier, eliminating the need for on-site synthesis of polyurethane polymers. This approach directly introduces the functional polymer into the emulsified asphalt system, simplifying the preparation process while maintaining the adhesive and abrasion-resistant properties

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses waterborne polyurethane emulsion as an intermediary substance that bridges the inorganic aggregate and organic asphalt binder. The emulsion contains polymer chains that can interact with both the mineral surfaces and the asphalt molecules, creating strong interfacial adhesion without requiring complex chemical synthesis procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If existing waterborne polymer modified mixtures are used to improve strength, then adhesion is improved, but uniformity deteriorates due to low polymer content

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion strengthVSAvoiduniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the dosage of waterborne polymer emulsion to 0.5-2.0% by weight of emulsified asphalt, which is a significant increase compared to existing mixtures. This parameter change ensures sufficient polymer content to achieve uniform distribution and consistent adhesion strength throughout the mixture, eliminating the non-uniformity caused by insufficient polymer dosage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Strength

If hot-mixed asphalt technology is used to achieve high pavement performance, then strength is improved, but energy consumption and emissions increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepavement strengthVSAvoidenergy consumption and emissions
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the temperature parameter from hot-mixing (typically 150-180°C) to cold-mixing (ambient temperature), eliminating the need for energy-intensive heating processes. The waterborne polymer emulsion enables this temperature reduction by providing adequate adhesion and binding properties at lower temperatures, thereby reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining pavement 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 solution provides improved mechanical properties, stability, and extended road surface life, allowing for rapid traffic reopening within 1-3 days, while reducing energy consumption and emissions compared to hot-mixed asphalt technologies.

Implementation Method 1

by the action of the self-crosslinking curing of the waterborne polymer after being mixed with an aggregate, forms a high-performance composite system having a spatial network structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSelf-crosslinking reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

improve the adhesion of asphalt to stone materials

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS9982136B2Waterborn polymer-modified emulsified asphalt mixture and process for producing the same
Publication Date: 2018.05.29 ZHONGLU HI TECH (BEIJING) HIGHWAY TECHNOLOGY CO LTD

AI summary

This present invention discloses a waterborne polymer modified emulsified asphalt mixture and the preparation method thereof, and particularly relates to a waterborne polyurethane emulsified asphalt concrete, a waterborne acrylic resin emulsified asphalt concrete, and a waterborne epoxy resin emulsified asphalt micro-surfacing mixture, and preparation methods thereof. A mixture containing a waterborne polymer modified emulsified asphalt forms a high-performance composite system having a spatial network structure, and has good performance and simple preparation process.