Modification of neat asphalt with various additives helps improve its thermal-mechanical properties to meet the requirements of today’s traffic loads.

This modification includes both polymer modification and chemical modification.

In hot weather and with heavy loading, it’s possible for pavement to develop rutting, which is a permanent deformation.

At the same time, colder climates require a pavement that resists thermal cracking and fatigue.

ICL Performance Products LP’ polyphosphoric acid provides increased resistance to rutting without compromising the performance at low temperatures, as measured by both conventional properties and the Superpave performance grading system. At reasonable levels, polyphosphoric acid increases the Performance Grade (PG) rating of most asphalts to meet Department of Transportation specifications.

In general, the high-temperature PG rating is increased with no loss of low-temperature properties. The resulting asphalt shows superior adhesion to water sensitive aggregates, with a significant reduction in the occurence of rutting and stripping.