Kraton Polymers LLC (Kraton), a leading global producer of engineered
polymers, is at the forefront of a pioneering new solution to improve
long-term pavement performance using cost-effective SBS base course
modification.
The world´s leading supplier of
styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) block copolymers for bitumen
modification has developed a new and unique SBS grade which, when used
to modify base course bitumen, gives substantially better performance
than standard SBS grades while retaining workability of the asphalt mix.
Research conducted by Kraton in co-operation with the Road Research
Laboratory at Delft University of Technology highlights the advantages
full-depth SBS polymer modified pavement can bring in terms of securing
improvements to the durability and lifetime of the total pavement, plus
the possibility to construct thinner pavements. The resulting reduction
in maintenance and materials opens up new opportunities for road owners
and constructors to achieve cost reductions and minimise the
environmental impact of road construction on heavily trafficked roads.
Kraton´s new SBS grade allows previously
unattainable high levels of polymer modification in hard bitumen. To
secure a minimum life time of a pavement construction, the thickness of
the base course was the main variable to accommodate the traffic
loading. Consequently, heavily trafficked roads have very thick base
courses to achieve the necessary stiffness, strength and flexibility to
spread traffic loads and provide adequate fatigue cracking resistance
over the long term.
By adding performance improvements to the asphalt binder, Kraton´s
new SBS enhances base course performance. This enables the use of a
thinner asphalt layer without the need to invest in customised laying
equipment. Standard SBS grades are unable to achieve both high levels of
asphalt performance and a storage stable, workable binder.
Advanced material characterisation tests demonstrate that with the
unique SBS modified hard bitumen formulation even a 150mm base course
accumulates significantly less damage than a standard 250mm base course
with permanent deformation at levels four times lower than that of a
standard base course.
Stephen Evans, Vice President Paving and Roofing at Kraton Polymers
comments: "Cost reduction, improving pavement
performance and minimising environmental impact are on-going concerns
for the roads industry. Kraton´s research into
base course modification and the subsequent development of a unique SBS
grade for hard bitumen modification presents a significant next step
forward in helping the industry address these challenges. We are looking
forward to exploring the potential of this concept with our customers
and partners."
For more information visit Kraton at Booth 56/58/60 at the E&E Congress
2008 or contact www.kraton.com
About Kraton
Kraton is a leading global performance polymer company and is the world´s
largest producer of styrenic block copolymers (SBCs), a family of
products whose chemistry was pioneered by Kraton more than forty years
ago. SBCs are highly-engineered thermoplastic elastomers, which enhance
the performance of numerous products by delivering a variety of
attributes, including: greater flexibility, resilience, strength
durability and processability. Kraton polymers are used in a wide range
of applications including adhesives, coatings, consumer and personal
care products, sealants, lubricants, medical, packaging, automotive
paving, roofing, and footwear products. Kraton has the leading position
in nearly all of its core markets and is the only producer of SBCs with
global manufacturing capability. Its production facilities are located
in the United States, The Netherlands, Germany, France, Brazil, and
Japan.
Kraton, the Kraton logo and design are trademarks of Kraton Polymers LLC.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release may include "forward-looking
statements" which are statements other than
statements of historical fact and are often characterized by the use of
words such as "believes," "expects," "estimates," "projects," "may," "will," "intends," "plans" or "anticipates," or by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions. All forward-looking
statements in this press release are made based on management´s current
expectations and estimates, which involve risks, uncertainties and other
factors that could cause results to differ materially from those
expressed in forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to
place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. We assume no
obligation to update such information.
