Asphalt
Gilsonite has the excellent bonding properties
Asphalt
Gilsonite (Natural Asphalt) are natural occurring hydrocarbon substances characterized by a high softening point (above 110° C) in the class known as asphaltite. They are mined much like other minerals and sold essentially in their native state. They are fully compatible with asphalt and have long been known as asphalt hardeners and reinforcing agents. Gilsonite is currently sold all over the world as a road bitumen modifier in the form of a dry bulk solid granular powder.
Gilsonite (Natural Asphalt) modified road asphalt have been particularly successful in highly stressed traffic areas. Natural bitumen, as the majority constituent, has been combined with virgin polymers such as Styrene Butadiene Styrene (SBS) and Ethyl Vinyl Acetate (EVA). Gilsonite modified asphalt binders generally do not increase asphalt binder content requirement in pavement mixtures. It’s modified binders significantly extend the useful life of asphalt pavement.
Gilsonite increases the viscosity of asphalt so roadways resist deformation and fatigue, even under temperature extremes – unlike other modifications or high modulus asphalt based on RAP.
Industry reports of Gilsonite-modified asphalt lasting more than twice as long as unmodified mixtures is common. In addition, the high modulus provided by Gilsonite allows the base and binder courses to be up to 20% thinner while still providing the same level of performance, enabling the use of less material. Gilsonite can also act as a lower-cost, performance-enhancing extender in a mixture including SBS polymers.
By significantly extending the useful life of asphalt pavement and allowing a reduction in the amount of paving material required, Gilsonite has proven to offer substantial cost effectiveness.
The excellent bonding properties of Gilsonite will produce a high-strength, high-performance pavement that also resists water stripping. As an aggregate modifier, Gilsonite can be added directly at the hot mix plant with no additional equipment.
