For more safety and durability
Masters of adaptation: polymers to increase flexibility
The constant growth in traffic volume and the high demands of road users for improved service are leading to an increased demand for quality and durability in road construction. In addition to increased axle loads, modern roads also have to withstand extreme temperature fluctuations. It has been proven that the addition of polymers to the road surface material significantly increases performance.
For example, the flexibility of the road surface at low temperatures can be improved, which can significantly reduce the formation of cracks. Furthermore, the addition of polymers to the road surface promotes deformation resistance at higher temperatures and also increases abrasion resistance.
In the area of roofing membranes, the requirements are also very high due to changing building regulations and the desire for a balance between cost-effective and long-term sustainable solutions. Our diverse polymer portfolio enables the development of durable, cost-effective roofing products that can withstand extreme climatic conditions. The polymers improve cold flexibility, heat resistance and give the end product elasticity. If required, we would also be pleased to introduce you to UV-resistant products.
To achieve these properties in the end products, our portfolio includes e.g. styrene block copolymers, amorphous polyalphaolefins and ethylene vinyl acetates. We are looking forward to offer you a tailor-made solution according to your requirements.
Waxes – most versatile additives for bitumen
Many waxes are suitable as additives for bitumen which is being used in asphalt and for roofing fabrics. This includes low viscosity polyethylene waxes, amide waxes and paraffins. However, most widely used are Fischer-Tropsch waxes, so called FT waxes. By using FT waxes many properties of the bitumen can be improved even at low dose rates.
By the addition of FT waxes to bitumen the processing temperatures can be reduced by up to 30°C. These waxes are easily soluble in bitumen and effectively reduce the viscosity of the modified bitumen. In comparison to a non-modified bitumen at the same viscosity, the processing temperature is significantly decreased. This saves energy, reduces the carbon footprint and emissions coming from the bitumen itself, which improves the workplace safety and is good for the environment. Bitumen can be processed more easily and asphalt can be compacted more quickly.
During the cooling phase at a temperature below 85°C the wax forms a stiffening structure within the bitumen. This increases the deformation resistance of the bitumen and results in reduced lane grooves in roads. In addition, stronger asphalts can be formed for the use at airports, industrials areas and bus stops, where concrete is most widely used. FT waxes are non-hazardous substances and can be stored safely and processed easily.
Innovative solutions for enhanced safety: flame retardants
Flame retardants are substances that are added to materials to reduce their flammability and slow down or prevent the spread of fire. Flame retardants therefore play an important role in fire protection and are used in various industries and applications (e.g. bitumen roofing membranes). Flame retardants in roofing membranes serve to slow down the spread of flames in case of a fire, providing additional protection for the building. Common types of flame retardants used in roofing membranes include mineral fillers (aluminum hydroxide or magnesium hydroxide), halogenated compounds, phosphorus-based compounds, intumescent flame retardants and other chemical additives that can reduce the flammability of the material.
An important factor in the selection of flame retardants for building materials is not only safety and effectiveness but also environmental aspects. Due to the non-toxic and environmentally friendly properties compared to some other flame retardants (e.g. halogenated compounds), mineral fillers (aluminum hydroxide or magnesium hydroxide) are often preferred as flame retardants in various applications.
EXOLIT, Expandable graphite, Mg(OH)2,Al(OH)3
If you have any questions or comments about our products, please get in touch. We look forward to hearing from you!
Jens Vinke
Head of Business Unit CASE
Phone: +49 (0) 40 300 501 8013
Mail: j.vinke[at]terchemicals.com