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Asphalt Modifiers
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1. What is Sasolink?
SASOLINK is a unique combination of German and USA technologies
that meets many of the Customers needs efficiently and economically
in achieving target specifications for Polymer Modified Asphalts
through the concept of polymer cross-linking.
2. Why Sasolink and how does Sasolink work?
In designing SASOLINK the objective was to employ a
unique chemical linking mechanism that enables the asphalt
formulator to work with ease to modify asphalts in a convenient
manner and giving control over the PG range. SASOLINK
is a chemical linking agent that effectively gets to work
in the final modified asphalt blend in forming a unique chemical
linkage of Polymer as a continuos phase thereby ensuring good
storage/separation stability and reduced overall polymer requirements.
The actual mechanism is through a chemical linkage of the
polymer to form a stable and continuos network structure.
The fluorescent microscope slides provided below demonstrate
the power of the SASOLINK technology in producing finer
chemically linked dispersions of a more consistent and reproducible
quality.
3. Stretching the PG Box
It is the aim of every asphalt formulator to be able to take
the most economic source of asphalt and enhance the high temperature
properties (DSR value) and comply with low temperature requirements
(BBR/Direct Tension/Critical Cracking) in fulfilling PG targets.
SASOLINK makes the achievement of this objective conveniently
and facilitates the accommodation of other additives to target
specific properties. The following examples show the effectiveness
of SASOLINK in combination with SBS of varying quantities:
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Base 64-22
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Base 64-22
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Base 64-22
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Base 64-22
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2% SBS
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2% SBS
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4% SBS
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0.3% Sasolink
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PG Grading
(64-22)
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PG Grading
(70-22)
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PG Grading
(76-22)
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PG Grading
(76-22)
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* Note that the magnitude of the polymer saving is very much
base asphalt dependent.
4. The Power of the Sasolink Technology includes:
(a) Convenient to handle free-flowing powder form.
(b) Easy to introduce into asphalt tanks/vessels.
(c) Dispersion time is dramatically reduced from many hours
(for SBS alone) to about 2 hours. Further no stabilization
time is necessary.
(d) Since dispersion cycle times are minimized, Plant throughput
is increased.
(e) The viscosity of the modified asphalt is substantially
reduced such that it may be easily handled and transported
with consequent energy savings.
(f) A stable modified asphalt blend is produced such that
it is easy to handle, transport and use without the bother
of phase separation and associated inconveniences.
5. Roofing Applications
SASOLINK is also recommended for roofing applications
and has all of the benefits outlined above. The low viscosity
improves workability substantially in both shingle and membrane
applications and provides a higher capacity for fillers. Bleeding,
deformation and high temperature wear is substantially reduced
by the more effectively dispersed and cross-linked modifier
system.
Since substantially higher polymer loading is employed in
the Roofing Industry, SASOLINK provides significant
savings through more effective Polymer cross-linking and reduced
overall levels to meet target specifications.
6. Recommended Method of Use
(a). Overall dosage level of SASOLINK recommended is
0.3% m/m on base asphalt for paving applications.
(b). Heat the base asphalt to 350°F and add polymer of
choice and disperse using high shear mixer.
(c). Within 30 minutes add the SASOLINK and continue
mixing under high shear for an additional 60 minutes maintaining
a constant temperature of between 350°F and 380°F
also until all the polymer has been completely dispersed.
(A). UV MICROGRAPH OF ASPHALT SAMPLE MODIFIED WITHOUT SASOLINK
BUT A MIXTURE OF 1% SASOBIT AND 2% SBS
The micrograph below is that of an asphalt sample modified
with 1% Sasobit and 2% SBS without the Cross-Linking agent
i.e. without SASOLINK.
The mixing temperature was 350°F for 90 minutes using
a Silverson high shear mixer.
The Yellow fluorescent spots clearly highlight the SBS double
bonds that are still intact i.e. no mechanism present to break
the bonds and promote cross-linking.
(B). UV MICROGRAPH OF ASPHALT SAMPLE MODIFIED WITH
SASOFLEX
The micrograph below is that of an asphalt sample modified
with SASOLINK.
The mixing temperature was 350° F for 90 minutes using
a Silverson high shear mixer to be comparative with the experiment
without SASOLINK.
The yellow fluorescent spots are no longer visible demonstrating
that the double bonds on the SBS have been utilized to produce
a complete network structure i.e. the SBS has been more effectively
dispersed.
Prem Naidoo
Asphalt Additives Business Unit Manager
Moore & Munger, Inc.
A Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Sasol Wax (USA) Corp.
Tel: 228-452-0009, ext. 103
Cell: 228-493-2851
Fax: 228-452-2201
Email: pnaidoo@mooremunger.com
Also reference Group Company at www.sasolwax.com
Jeremy A. Day
Technical Marketing Manager
Asphalt Additives Business Unit
Moore & Munger, Inc.
A Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Sasol Wax (USA) Corp.
Tel: 228-452-0009, ext. 104
Cell: 228-323-2582
Fax: 228-452-2201
Email: jday@mooremunger.com
Also reference Group Company at www.sasolwax.com
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