Bitumen modification

Unlike adhesive formulations, which can be controlled by the manufacturer, the natural composition of the bitumen largely controls the property of the modified product. The composition of bitumen, a by-product of crude oil refining, is complex and varies with the crude oil source. Its primary components are  

saturated hydrocarbons, which are compatible with polybutadiene and thus swell the midblocks of SBCs  

aromatic hydrocarbons, which, although largely incompatible with both blocks near room temperature, serve to plasticize the styrene blocks at dissolving temperatures and 

resins and asphaltenes, which are incompatible with both blocks. 

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TPEs find use in automotive, wire and cable, footwear, polymer modification, hose and tube, mechanical, bitumen modification, construction, adhesives and coatings, and film/sheet applications. 

Shoe soles, adhesives, plastics modification, bitumen modification, miscellaneous moulded items, e.g., swim fins, black window glazing gaskets (UK -30 °C to +55 °C). 

Bitumen modification, roads, roofing, paving, impact-resistant shingles. .. 

SBS applications are generally in footwear, adhesives, bitumen modification, low-specification seals and soft-touch grips. 

Finaprene . [FinaChem.] Polybutadiene, styrene-butadiene, styrene iso-prene, or carboxylated styrene butadiene elastomers for footwear, tech, goods, tires, adhesives, bitumen modification, plastic modification. 

Bitumen modification with elastomers is currently the most common method for producing paving modified bitumen. The bitumen produced is often called elastomer bitumen. 

The compatibility of the system or the successful bitumen modification can also be ascertained with a simple laboratory test, known as storage stability test , originally suggested by Shell and standardised by GEN EN 13399 (2010). 

Bitumen modification with thermoplastic polymers, also known as thermo-softening plastics or plastics, is not as common as bitumen modification with elastomers for paving works. 

SBC is a thermoplastic mbber and does not need to be vulcanised. It finds widespread use in footwear, adhesives, bitumen modification and sealants. Its thermoplastic nature allows it to be recycled. The modified bitumens have elastic properties and are used for roofing membranes and for roads. 

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