Kraton Polymers Double SBS polymer Content in Pre-modified Emulsions

New innovation to double SBS polymer content in pre-modified asphalt emulsions

02-May-09

Kraton Polymers LLC (USA), a leading global producer of engineered polymers announced an innovation with proven ability to double styrene-butadienestyrene (SBS) modification levels in pre-modified asphalt emulsions. These new high polymer content (HPC) emulsions are a result of Kraton Polymers utilizing its latest development in high vinyl products. The modification levels in atmospheric emulsification systems historically have been limited to three to four weight percent of SBS polymer based on asphalt. Higher percentages can result in increased average and broad particle size distribution leading to insufficient emulsion stability and viscosity or inadequate drying and curing behavior. The pressurized emulsification systems have the capacity to increase the level to five or six weight percent. The company says its innovation allows for low pre-modified asphalt viscosity and emulsions to be created with polymer contents up to eleven weight percent in atmospheric emulsification systems. The polymer content can be substantially higher in pressurized emulsification systems. The performance advantages can be tuned through selection from Kraton Polymers' portfolio of high vinyl polymer grades. Some of the potential applications for the HPC emulsions also include surface dressing/chip seals, micro surfacing, slurry seals, stress absorbing membrane interlayer (SAMI), fog seal and the like. The new high polymer content can also be applied in asphalt emulsion-based waterproofing applications; modified roofing membrane base sheets, bridge deck seals and standard or below-grade residential and commercial waterproofing membranes. In addition, the benefits of HPC emulsions can be achieved in several other industrial applications such as pipe and metal coatings