High-traffic pavements may deteriorate more quickly based on frequent use, constant wear, and heavier loads. Compounding the issue are wet weather conditions and exposure to fuel, both of which can worsen long-term durability of the pavement surface. Using an anti-strip agent for asphalt paving can provide additional protection and improve surface performance to protect against rutting, raveling, and potholes that often originate in moist conditions.  

 

Anti-strip agents for asphalt are designed to improve bonding between the binder and aggregate in a mix, helping to create roadways that meet performance and durability requirements. This can be especially critical for asphalt surfaces exposed to extreme conditions including the constant moisture, fuel, and liquids seen in airports and seaports.  Anti-strip agents may also be used in conjunction with poorer quality aggregates found in some regions of the world. 

 

Here, we’ll take a closer look at anti-strip agents for asphalt and how these additives can help preserve the integrity of paved surfaces through reduced moisture damage and improved fuel resistance.  

An anti-strip agent for asphalt is an additive that helps to improve the bonding between binder and aggregate and prevent separation of binder and aggregate in a mix. Stripping in asphalt can happen as the foundational layers of the pavement become lose their strength or integrity. As a result, the surface layers from the asphalt or bitumen mix can also become damaged, or stripped, and exhibit lose aggregate that requires replacement  

By increasing adhesion in the mix, anti-strip agents in asphalt may cause a roadway to be less likely to develop raveling, rutting, or potholes that can compromise critical surfaces. Anti-strip agents may also reduce costs and disruptions caused by frequent repairs to deteriorating asphalt surfaces  

Anti-strip agents in asphalt create stronger bonds between aggregates and binder in a mix to prevent moisture from penetrating between the materials and stripping the binder from the surface. This can lead to a porous or cracked pavement that can develop rutting or potholes that undermine the integrity of the surface and require frequent and costly repairs.  

Durability is a core attribute of pavements constructed with an effective anti-strip agent for asphalt mixes. The additive is designed to improve the bonding between aggregate and binder particles in the mix, reducing stripping, cracking, raveling, and rutting. By reducing the damage to high-traffic roadways often exposed to rain or moisture, anti-strip agents for asphalt can create longer lasting roadways. SriCote®, an amine-free anti-strip agent, supports stronger adhesion while also improving tensile strength. 

Anti-strip agents for asphalt are chemical additives designed to improve bonding between binder and aggregates in a mix. Chemical composition is the largest differentiator for these additives. Hydrated lime is a mineral that initiates a chemical reaction with the bitumen in the mix to prevent separation when exposed to moisture. In contrast, liquid amine anti-strip agents are organic components that interact with both the binder and the aggregate to create adhesion. However, both hydrated lime and liquid amine are considered corrosive and hazardous materials. An amine-free anti-strip agent like SriCote can provide the same adhesion benefits to prevent stripping while being safe to handle and pave and odorless.  

Anti-strip agents for asphalt are typically evaluated through a series of tests that determine moisture penetration and tensile strength. Examples of these tests include Wet Strength, Hamburg Wet Wheel Rutting, Aggregate Stripping, and Tensile Strength Retention (TSR) tests.  

Anti-strip agents for asphalt may be used with other additives when carefully evaluated for interactions and performance impacts. For example, anti-amine anti-strip agent SriCote can be used in conjunction with a wide range of additives used in bitumen mixes and polymer modified bitumen mixes worldwide. This may include the incorporation of other additives such as polymers including PGXpand®, which can enhance high temperature performance of the mix without impacting low temperature properties.  

Dosages for anti-strip agents for asphalt are typically determined as a percentage of the weight of the binder or mix. However, recommended dosages will vary depending on the type and manufacturer of the anti-strip agent. Sripath works directly with customers to determine the appropriate SriCote dosing amounts for projects with typical usage levels between 0.2 to 0.5 % of binder weight. 

Increased exposure to moisture, particularly in wet climates, can pose challenges for ensuring the long-term durability and performance of roadway surfaces. Consistently rainy, icy, or snowy conditions can expose asphalt surfaces to damaging moisture that may penetrate between aggregates and binders, causing surface deterioration such as rutting or potholes. Loss in structural integrity can be especially problematic for high-traffic asphalt surfaces. Incorporating an anti-strip agent for asphalt or bitumen into a mix can help to preserve the bond between aggregate and binder, reducing the occurrence of particle separation that manifests as a compromised surface.  

Anti-strip agents for asphalt can enhance sustainability by reducing the need for frequent repairs to roadway surfaces. However, traditional liquid amine-based anti-strip agents can be considered hazardous or toxic chemicals that can impact the environment and expose workers to potential skin and eye irritants via fumes. SriCote, an amine-free anti-strip agent, is safe to use and handle and poses no known health concerns being odorless when added to hot asphalt or bitumen.  

Anti-strip agents for asphalt are designed to help prevent stripping from exposure to moisture. However, some anti-strip agents face compatibility issues with asphalt binders or bitumen and can negatively impact performance grade. SriCote is an amine-free anti-strip agent that does not affect binder grade and remains stable at both processing and paving temperatures. SriCote is also compatible with a wide range of additives used in bitumen mixes and polymer modified bitumen (PMB) mixes produced globally.  

SriCote, an amine-free anti-strip agent for asphalt, provides extraordinary performance for demanding paved surfaces such as high-traffic interstates, airport runways, and seaport terminals. By improving the bond between aggregate and binder across a wide range of bitumen and PMB mixes, SriCote reduces damage to surfaces frequently exposed to moisture and fuel. The result is a high-performing asphalt surface that is smooth and durable.