For several years, specialists of JSC “Tatavtodor” have been studying the possibility to use non-oxidized bitumen as a component of asphalt-concrete mixes. In 2021-2022, in collaboration with OOO “Smart Bitum” they have finally succeeded and started the production of said binders according to GOST 58400.2-2019 state standard. Addition of this material ensures necessary performance characteristics of the asphaltic surface, i.e. it increases its fatigue endurance. The normally used oxidized bitumen contains a large amount of oxygen radicals that cause excessive aging and embritllement of the asphalted surface. Modification of bitumen oxidized by polymers with standard styrene-butadiene-styrene thermoplastic elastomers (SBS) has no effect of increasing elasticity and quality of surfacing. On the contrary, it causes quick destruction of this colloidal structure due to weak chemical interaction and solubility of SBS in bitumen. As for non-oxidized binder, solution and interaction of thermoplastics here is most efficient. This is gained due to enough aromatic hydrocarbons in the non-oxidized raw material, which provide full solution of polymers and stability of polymer-bitumen binders in storage as well as in asphalt-concrete mixes used for road surfacing.

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