Asphalt is the mixture of pitch with sand or gravel and is the base of many works such as bridges, highways, roads, etc., as well as other types of infrastructure, mainly roads. 

In asphalt mixes it is used as a binder and is found in natural deposits, but today it is obtained from petroleum. As it is a highly impermeable, adherent and cohesive material, capable of resisting high instantaneous stresses and flowing under the action of permanent loads, it presents the ideal properties for the construction of pavements, fulfilling the following functions:

• Waterproof the pavement structure: it is highly effective against moisture and water penetration. 
• It provides an intimate union and cohesion between aggregates, capable of resisting the mechanical action of disintegration produced by vehicle loads. 
• It can also be used to make ceilings.

Today we tell you more about this product, which of course, we have available at Chem Fluid .

What are SBS polymers?

Styrene-butadiene-styrene, commonly abbreviated as SBS for its acronym in English Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene, is a synthetic thermoplastic elastomer obtained by polymerizing a mixture of styrene and butadiene. It is a hard rubber that is used to make soles for shoes, tire covers and to modify the asphalt.

Properties of SBS polymers

• They have a hardness Shore A30 up to Shore D40
• Works in temperatures between -50° to 70°C
• It is weak to atmospheric agents
• Has good abrasion resistance
• It is easy to process
• Easy coloring
• Compatible with PS, PP, EVA
• It has high transparency
• It is not necessary to subject it to pre-drying
• Allows coloring directly during the process
• Depending on the grade, it can have a high abrasion resistance.
• It is 100% recyclable

SBS polymers flow easily in processing at various temperatures and act as reinforced elastic rubbers under normal application conditions. This type of polymer is known as a block copolymer because its main chain is made up of three segments:

• A sequence of repeating units of styrene,
• Labeled in a sequence of repeating units of butadiene and
• Another block of styrene units.

They are free flowing materials that show different viscosities to adapt their properties to the multiple applications in which they can be used. Low molecular weight linear grades offer excellent flowability, making them highly prized for their transparency and ease of processing.

Its low viscosity and resistance to temperature make it suitable for use in technical compositions, adhesives and sealants, asphalt modification for road pavements and waterproofing membranes.

SBS polymers in asphalt modification

The use of asphalts whose properties have been modified by the addition of polymers shows a significant improvement in the mechanics of resistance to changes and deformations caused by weather and traffic (passage of vehicles and heavy machinery, wear over time, etc. ) compared to conventional asphalts.

What are the benefits of using SBS polymers in asphalt modification?

We tell you some of the most important:

• An asphalt mix with asphalt modified with SBS polymers has a higher resistance to deformations compared to conventional asphalt.
• It has a high elastic recovery and therefore a better behavior in the face of fatigue.
• It is estimated that the use of asphalts modified with SBS polymers in the preparation of asphalt mixtures for paving increases the useful life of the pavement from 2 to 3 times. 

Impressive, isn't it?

Recommendations for the use of SBS polymers in asphalt modification

In order to ensure success in the manufacture of asphalt modified with SBS polymers it is necessary:

• It is necessary to have the necessary equipment to carry out the mixture tests.
• It is essential to have specialized professional advice and sufficiently trained technical personnel on site in the asphalt modification technique.
• Before unloading the asphalt from the tank, its viscosity, penetration and softening point must be checked. If these results are positive, it is very likely that the other quality parameters of asphalt modified with SBS polymers are met.
• If the produced modified asphalt is not to be used within the next 48 hours, it is best to allow it to cool to room temperature in storage tanks to avoid settling or burning of the SBS polymer.

Do you need more information about SBS polymers in asphalt modification? You came to the right place! Contact us today and receive the best advice on this and other chemical raw materials.