An isocyanate-based additive from BASF has been used to improve the durability of asphalt pavement. Dag Wiebelhaus, Global Head of Monomer Product Innovation at BASF, described the company's work in this area at a recent research press conference.
Increasing pressure on roads, including heavier traffic and extreme climatic conditions, means that pavements often need to be replaced after 10 to 12 years. BASF's B2LAST asphalt additives are designed to improve durability. It also reduces the carbon footprint during construction.
The additive is an isocyanate-based reaction system that forms cross-links within the bitumen to form a polymer network. This improves the elasticity of the asphalt, as well as its resistance to cracking over a wide range of temperatures.
"For example, if a heavy truck deforms the road, it should ** and last longer," says Dag Wiebelhaus. Laboratory tests have shown that isocyanates react with functional groups in bitumen to form polyurethane bonds. In addition, at the macro level, we can also demonstrate that through this cross-linking, larger aggregates are formed. ”
The company's scientists work with experts from different centers around the world to study the effects on asphalt, including the Road Construction Laboratory at RWTH Aachen University.
The additive also lowers the temperature required for the paving process. The reduction in energy use contributes to a reduction in CO2 emissions by about two-thirds. It also improves its circularity as the mixture can contain more ** bitumen. The global rollout of the product is ongoing.
"We expect to extend the life of the road by 50-100 percent, with the potential to save a lot of money," says Dag Wiebelhaus. ”