From changes in bitumen quality to sustainability efforts, innovation is fast becoming a demand of the roads and infrastructure industry. As new products and techniques come to market, Roads and Infrastructure Australia interviewed industry leaders to get their take on the latest developments set to disrupt the industry. Among those who the publication spoke with was Deepak Madan, Chief Marketing and Business Development Officer, Sripath.
Polymer modified bitumen (PMB) is certainly not new to the paving industry, but advances in the additives used to enhance bitumen performance in PMBs are quickly taking shape. The introduction of PGXpand®, a bitumen-friendly polymer additive for asphalt, to the Australian market promises to help improve performance outcomes for roadways nationwide as a leading innovation. The plastomeric polymer enhances high temperature bitumen performance without impacting low temperature properties. The additive also improves workability and lowers viscosity.
“PGXpand Modified Bitumen mix delivers roadways with outstanding rutting resistance, fatigue properties and durability,” Madan explained. “It is highly dosage efficient, storage stable and easily mixes into bitumen using low shear mixers and short mixing times; resulting in lower overall mix cost.” Producing durable roadways using polymer modified bitumen mixes dosed with PGXpand may also reduce the costs and environmental impacts associated with frequent repairs of failing roadways.
PGXpand also helps lower energy consumption during both production and paving, which could help contractors achieve their sustainability goals and lower their overall carbon footprint. PGXpand is effective not only in new roadway surfacing but also in repair and maintenance applications. “Sripath is also exploring the use of PGXpand in hot spray seal applications to mitigate difficulties encountered with the use of crumb rubber,” shared Madan. Sripath plans to continue working with industry experts throughout Australia to test PGXpand for various use cases.
Read the complete excerpt alongside other industry leader perspectives on innovation.
