The drive to solve challenges in the bitumen industries led Sripath Technologies to develop a portfolio of innovative additives. One hypothesis was that more could be done to effectively reuse the increasing amounts of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) mounting around the world. The key would be to develop an effective asphalt rejuvenator to help create higher value for the material and the contractors using it. Roads and Infrastructure sat down with the Sripath team to learn more about asphalt rejuvenation, ReLIXER®, and its evolving use in Australian markets.  

 

While RAP is sourced from aggregate removed from failing or aged roadway surfaces, the material contains valuable bitumen. An effective rejuvenator like ReLIXER can restore the functional properties of the aged bitumen and allow for higher amounts of RAP to be used in high-performing mixes. 

 

“We also like to tout the fact that ReLIXER can be effectively used in asphalt mixes with a high RAP percentage,” explained Krishna Srinivasan, President, Sripath Technologies. “In Australia, a 10 to 15 per cent RAP mix is common. But globally, asphalt mixes with RAP average 40 to 50 per cent. Up to 100 percent is even occurring on projects. These high ratios are possible with ReLIXER, and it does it without compromising the mix performance.” 

 

Sripath developed ReLIXER not only to rejuvenate aged bitumen but also to provide an environmentally friendly alternative in the marketplace. An odorless blend of green bio-oils, ReLIXER does not contain harmful greases or REOBs. Instead, it is formulated from oils sourced from crops that do not impact food sources. 

 

“Almost everyone we have talked to in Australia has brought up the ecofriendly and sustainable ethos, but more importantly, there are clear call-to-actions by industry bodies like the Australian Flexible Pavement Association and the transport ministries to increase adoption of recycled material from various waste streams into pavements. They are not simply talking the talk, but they are walking the walk,” said Ravi Rajagopalan, General Manager, Sripath Asia-Pac.  

 

Notably, ReLIXER increases RAP usage while lowering costs. Deepak Madan, Chief Marketing and Business Development Officer for Sripath explained, “When we talk about a green, environmentally friendly rejuvenator, most contractors often associate that with a higher cost. That’s not the case with ReLIXER. It not only meets the performance specifications of mixes while using RAP, but costs are actually reduced by using ReLIXER in higher RAP mixes.” 

 

Read the full article to learn more about ReLIXER’s impact in Australia.