Asphalt is a widely used construction material for roads, parking lots, airport runways, and other applications. However, asphalt has some inherent limitations such as susceptibility to environmental conditions like heat and cold, reduced flexibility at low temperatures, and increased susceptibility to cracking at high temperatures. Asphalt additives are materials that are added in small amounts to asphalt to improve its engineering properties and performance. Some common properties enhanced by asphalt additives include resistance to cracking, improved durability, resistance to aging, enhanced adhesion, and resistance to UV radiation.
Types
There are several types of asphalt additives used for different purposes:
Anti-Stripping Additives
Anti-stripping additives are used to prevent moisture damage and stripping in asphalt. Stripping is the separation of Asphalt Additives from aggregate due to the presence of water. Anti-stripping additives works by enhancing adhesion between asphalt binder and aggregate through surface modification. Common anti-stripping additives include amine anti-stripping compounds.
Anti-Oxidants
Asphalt undergoes oxidation when exposed to oxygen and high temperatures during production, construction, and service life. Oxidation leads to hardening and aging of asphalt over time. Anti-oxidant additives like zinc oxide and polyphosphoric acid are used to delay oxidation and protect asphalt against aging during production, storage, transportation, and service life.
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