Abstract: Hybrid bitumen composition with graphene oxide nanoparticles infused polymer of the present invention and its method of preparation are disclosed to overcome performance deficiencies of conventional bituminous binders. Conventional bitumen suffers from rutting, thermal cracking, fatigue, and aging. The disclosed composition comprises liquid bitumen blended with specific amounts of thermoplastic elastomers, synthetic wax, graphene oxide nanoparticles, organic compounds, and inorganic acids. This unique blend, achieved via a novel controlled heating and stirring method, creates a homogeneous mixture. The composition exhibits enhanced thermal stability, maintaining flexibility at low temperatures and stiffness at high temperatures, significantly reducing cracking and rutting. It also offers superior elasticity, durability, aging, water, and chemical resistance, and stronger adhesion. Utilizing recycled polymers, it provides a sustainable, cost-effective solution for high-stress pavement and construction, extending service life and reducing maintenance.
Description:HYBRID BITUMEN COMPOSITION WITH GRAPHENE OXIDE NANOPARTICLES INFUSED POLYMER
FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
The present invention relates to the field of material science and civil engineering, more particularly to a novel modified bitumen composition. The invention provides an enhanced hybrid bitumen composition, and a method for its preparation, which is particularly useful for applications in road paving, roofing, waterproofing, and other construction uses.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to provide additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.
Bitumen is a widely used material in construction, forming the binder for asphalt in road pavements and serving as a crucial component in roofing and waterproofing membranes. However, conventional bitumen suffers from several inherent limitations and a number of fundamental drawbacks like temperature sensitivity, poor aging resistance, low elasticity and susceptibility to water damage etc. that compromise its long-term performance. It exhibits poor low-temperature flexibility, making it susceptible to thermal cracking in cold climates. Conversely, at high temperatures, it becomes too soft, leading to permanent deformation and rutting under heavy traffic loads. Additionally, conventional bitumen has low elasticity, poor resistance to aging, and is vulnerable to degradation from oxidation and UV radiation, thereby reducing
Numerous attempts have been made and several prior art are known improving quality of bitumen. Even though these innovations may be suitable for the specific purposes to which they address, however, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention.
For example, Chinese Patent CN103819915B presents a graphene oxide modified asphalt (0.5-15% GO, 85-99.5% asphalt) and its preparation. The method involves heating base asphalt, adding graphene oxide, stirring, shearing, cooling, and re-shearing for even dispersion. This aims to significantly improve high-temperature performance, deformation, and rutting resistance.
For example, Chinese Patent application CN107245247A discloses a carboxyl-modified graphene oxide-based polyethylene-modified asphalt, prepared by adding specific components to heated asphalt via shearing and stirring. This aims to improve adhesion, stability, and rutting resistance. However, a need remains for more comprehensive bitumen property enhancements.
For example, Chinese Patent application CN114213853A describes a graphene oxide-rubber composite modified asphalt for varying climates. The process involves heating asphalt, adding agents, then pre-coating graphene oxide with rubber powder before mixing. This method improves storage stability, aging, and fatigue resistance while reducing cost.
For example, Chinese Patent application CN113072913B describes a graphene oxide toughened thermosetting SBS modified asphalt binder with two components (A: epoxy resin; B: SBS modified asphalt, curing agent, accelerator, graphene oxide, coupling agent, aromatic oil). Graphene oxide acts as a toughening agent, improving the mechanical strength and toughness of the cured binder while ensuring compatibility. This invention offers a solution for the low-temperature brittleness of thermosetting SBS modified asphalt, suitable for high-grade pavements.
For example, Chinese Patent CN113773663B describes asphalt containing modified nano graphene oxide. This involves matrix asphalt with 0.03-0.06% modified nano graphene oxide, prepared by mixing polyvinylpyrrolidone and nano graphene oxide powder in a 1:5-6 mass ratio. The invention aims to comprehensively improve the asphalt's performance for extreme environments.
For example, Chinese Patent CN104448868B describes a graphene oxide-based SBS modified asphalt. This composition uses asphalt as the matrix, with graphene oxide as an additive (0.5-3%), linear SBS as a modifier (3-5% of base asphalt mass), and a sulfur-containing accelerator (0.2-0.6% of base asphalt mass). The invention claims improved high-temperature stability, rutting resistance, low-temperature crack resistance, fatigue resistance, and water stability, along with a simple, gentle, and low-cost preparation method.
For example, Chinese Patent CN108752850B describes a graphene oxide modified colored asphalt cementing material. This composition contains 0.3-5% graphene oxide and 95-99.7% colored asphalt cement by weight. The invention also provides a preparation method, claiming a more obvious effect in improving asphalt performance and a wider promotion range.
For example, Korean Patent KR102005941B1 describes a modified asphalt-based sealant for construction, incorporating an asphalt binder, graphene oxide (GO), softening agent, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), crumb rubber, and petroleum resin. The invention primarily claims that adding GO significantly improves the mechanical performance and durability of the sealant, extending the lifespan of pavements and structures.
For example, Chinese Patent application CN114380536A details an asphalt pavement maintenance material containing a nano-modified rare earth active component. This compound primarily uses graphene oxide (44-54 parts) alongside various latexes, rare earth oxides, and surfactants. It aims to improve pavement flexibility, impact resistance, wear resistance, and heat insulation, thereby prolonging service life.
For example, Chinese Patent application CN117304703A details a graphene asphalt nanocomposite prepared by heating matrix asphalt, then shearing graphene oxide into it until uniformly mixed. This aims to improve asphalt's softening and deformation resistance, reduce plastic deformation, and slow down aging to prolong service life.
For example, Korean Patent KR102005934B1 describes a modified asphalt seal waterproofing composition for construction. It incorporates a styrene-butadiene modified asphalt binder with graphene oxide (GO) and various other additives. The invention claims that the GO significantly improves the mechanical performance and durability of the waterproofing material, thereby prolonging the lifespan of buildings and civil structures.
For example, Korean Patent KR102005942B1 describes a room temperature modified asphalt composition for emergency repair of potholes. This composition includes a styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer modified asphalt binder, graphene oxide (GO) (0.01-0.1 parts by weight), softener, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), rubber powder, and petroleum resin. The invention claims that the addition of GO significantly improves mechanical performance and durability, allowing for high early strength due to oxidative polymerization at room temperature, thereby extending pavement and civil structure lifespan.
For example, PCT Patent Application WO2020171382A1 describes a modified-asphalt-penetration-type macadam pavement and its method, for regions without hot mix asphalt plants. It uses a high-functional asphalt modifier containing a styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer modified asphalt binder, graphene oxide (GO) (0.1-1 part), softener, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), and petroleum resin. The invention claims that applying GO, a nanomaterial, enhances the mechanical performance and durability of the asphalt binder, extending road pavement lifespan.
It is apparent now that numerous innovations that are adapted to various modification methods have been explored in the prior art, primarily involving the blending of bitumen with polymers or other additives that are adequate for various purposes. Furthermore, even though these innovations may be suitable for the specific purposes to which they address, accordingly, they would not be suitable for the purposes of the present invention thus, there remains a need for a composition that can significantly enhance the bitumen’s mechanical, thermal, and durability properties, thereby extending the service life of infrastructure under diverse and extreme environmental conditions so as to overcome the drawbacks of the present prior arts.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
This invention focuses on hybrid bitumen composition, tailored for applications including road paving, waterproofing, roofing, and other uses. More particularly, the invention pertains to bitumen composition that have been modified with thermoplastics elastomers, synthetic wax, graphene oxide nanoparticles, organic compounds and inorganic acids to improve the mechanical and thermal properties, thereby extending the quality and performance of the material life.
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a hybrid bitumen composition comprising graphene oxide infused polymer to overcome the inherent limitations of the conventional bitumen. The hybrid bitumen is a modified bitumen that incorporates a unique combination of thermoplastic elastomers, synthetic wax, graphene oxide nanoparticles, organic compounds, and inorganic acids. This synergistic combination of modifiers significantly enhances the rheological and mechanical properties of the bitumen. The present invention also provides a novel and improved method for its preparation.
According to an aspect of the present invention, the modified binder exhibits enhanced thermal stability, maintaining flexibility at low temperatures to resist cracking while retaining stiffness at high temperatures to prevent rutting. The composition demonstrates improved elasticity, allowing it to recover after deformation, which is vital for resisting fatigue cracking under cyclic loading. Furthermore, the inclusion of these modifiers increases the bitumen's resistance to oxidation, UV degradation, and water damage, thereby extending its service life and reducing maintenance frequency.
The primary objective of the present invention is to overcome the inherent limitations of conventional bitumen, such as temperature sensitivity, poor aging resistance, low elasticity, and susceptibility to water damage by creating a more resilient and durable material.
Another objective of the present invention is to create a hybrid bitumen composition with enhanced thermal stability, allowing it to maintain flexibility in cold temperatures to prevent cracking and stiffness in hot temperatures to resist permanent deformation (rutting).
Another objective of the present invention is to improve the elasticity and flexibility of bitumen, enabling the material to recover after deformation and better withstand cyclic loading, thereby reducing fatigue failure.
Another objective of the present invention is to increase the durability and service life of bitumen by enhancing its resistance to oxidation, UV radiation, and other environmental degradation factors.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a solution for strengthening the adhesive bond between bitumen and aggregates, thereby reducing the risk of stripping and improving road strength.
Another objective of the present invention is to develop a cost-effective and dependable solution for high-stress and long-life paving and construction applications.
Another objective of the present invention is to enable the use of recycled materials like thermoplastic elastomers, thereby contributing to environmental sustainability by promoting waste reuse.
The hybrid bitumen composition of the present invention has several advantages over the conventional bitumen, the advantages include a longer lifespan, improved resistance to rutting and cracking, enhanced elasticity and flexibility, better resistance to water and chemicals, and stronger adhesion to aggregates. This makes the hybrid bitumen composition of the present invention an ideal solution for durable and sustainable infrastructure.
These and other objectives, advantages and aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the features in accordance with embodiments of the invention. The summary is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the claims attached hereto.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a graph illustrating the FTIR analysis of the conventional bitumen and the modified hybrid bitumen composition, showing the shifts in absorption peaks that confirm the chemical modifications and interactions of the additives, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific system and processes described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Throughout this specification the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises or comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusions of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusions of any other element, integer or step or group of elements, integers or steps. Specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are therefore not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.
According to several embodiment of the present invention, a hybrid bitumen composition comprises thermoplastics elastomers, synthetic wax, graphene oxide nanoparticles, organic compounds and inorganic acids in predetermined ration with respect to the quantity of the base bitumen added via a novel method comprising a series of controlled heating and stirring steps to ensure the homogeneous mixture of the modified hybrid bitumen composition, wherein the composition of the present invention improves properties in comparison to the conventional bitumen known in the art, wherein the improved properties include temperature performance in the form of thermal stability, which can maintain flexibility at low temperatures and stiffness at high temperatures, and less cracking and rutting having safe roads and roofs last longer under extreme weather conditions.
According to an aspect of the present invention, a hybrid bitumen composition comprising liquid bitumen, wherein hybrid bitumen composition characterized in that comprises: a) 0.8 to 4 parts (w/w) of thermoplastic elastomers per 100 parts of said bitumen; b) 0.25 to 2.5 parts (w/w) of synthetic wax per 100 parts of said bitumen; c) 0.001 to 1 part (w/w) of graphene oxide nanoparticles per 100 parts of said bitumen; d) 0.1 to 1.5 parts w/w of organic compound per 100 parts of said bitumen; and e) 0.5 to 2.5 parts (w/w) of inorganic acid per 100 parts of said bitumen.
According to another aspect of the present invention, the thermoplastic elastomer is selected from the group consisting of Polypropylene (PP), Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS), Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Nylon, or a combination thereof.
According to another aspect of the present invention, the synthetic wax is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene wax (PE wax), Poly Tetrafluoroethylene, Ethylene Bis Stearamide (EBS), polypropylene wax, Fischer-Tropsch waxes, or a combination thereof.
According to another aspect of the present invention, the inorganic acid is selected from the group consisting of Eaton’s reagent, Polyphosphoric acid, Pyrophosphoric acid, Tri-metaphosphoric acid, Metaphosphoric acid, or a combination thereof.
According to another aspect of the present invention, the said organic compound is selected from the group consisting of Glutaraldehyde, Diethylene glycol diacrylate (DEGDA), Polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA), N,N'-methylenebis (acrylamide) (MBAA), formaldehyde, or a combination thereof.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for preparing a hybrid bitumen composition, comprising the steps of: a) heating 100 parts (w/w) of bitumen to a temperature between 100-200°C for 30-90 minutes with continuous stirring; b) gradually adding 0.8 to 4 parts (w/w) of a thermoplastic elastomer to the heated bitumen and stirring for 30-120 minutes, wherein said thermoplastic elastomer is selected from the group consisting of Polypropylene (PP), Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS), Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Nylon, or a combination thereof; c) introducing 0.25 to 2.5 parts (w/w) of a synthetic wax to the mixture and stirring for 10-90 minutes, wherein said synthetic wax is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene wax (PE wax), Poly Tetrafluoroethylene, Ethylene Bis Stearamide (EBS), polypropylene wax, Fischer-Tropsch waxes, or a combination thereof; d) adding 0.001 to 1 part of graphene oxide nanoparticles and stirring for 10-90 minutes; e) introducing 0.1 to 1.5 parts (w/w) of an organic compound, wherein said organic compound is selected from the group consisting of Glutaraldehyde, Diethylene glycol diacrylate (DEGDA), Polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA), N,N'-methylenebis (acrylamide) (MBAA), formaldehyde, or a combination thereof; f) adding 0.5 to 2.5 parts (w/w) of an inorganic acid to the mixture and stirring for 30-120 minutes to form a homogeneous solution wherein said inorganic acid is selected from the group consisting of Eaton’s reagent, Polyphosphoric acid, Pyrophosphoric acid, Tri-metaphosphoric acid, Metaphosphoric acid, or a combination thereof; and g) cooling the homogeneous solution to room temperature.
According to another aspect of the present invention, the bitumen is a viscosity grade VG10, VG20, VG30, or VG40 bitumen.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the hybrid bitumen composition exhibits enhanced elasticity and flexibility due to the incorporation of a graphene oxide nanoparticle-infused polymer. This unique nanocomposite gives the material superior elastic recovery, allowing pavements and membranes to stretch and return to their original shape. This feature is vital for resisting cracking caused by traffic loads and thermal movement. The improved bitumen also demonstrates better durability and resistance to aging, oxidation, and UV degradation, which significantly extends its lifespan. The composition's increased resistance to water and chemicals allows it to form a more cohesive, water-resistant surface that reduces damage from rain, ice, and spills. Furthermore, it possesses stronger adhesion and cohesion properties, improving its binding with aggregates and structural layers to enhance road strength and wear resistance. This is because the graphene oxide nanoparticles improve the base bitumen's rheological and mechanical properties by interacting both physically and chemically to create a more elastic, cohesive, and temperature-resistant material. According to an exemplary embodiment, without limitation, nanoparticles of graphene can also be incorporated into the base bitumen to significantly enhance its mechanical and thermal properties, wherein the nanoparticles have exceptional strength, high surface area, and excellent barrier properties, which help improve the resistance to deformation, cracking, and aging property of the hybrid bitumen composition.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, the hybrid bitumen composition uses recycled polymers, such as thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), Polypropylene (PP), Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS), Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and Nylon to serve a crucial function in enhancing the performance of the hybrid bitumen by significantly improving flexibility, and resistance to temperature extremes especially in low temperatures, preventing cracking caused by thermal movement or structural shifts. They also enhance the material's resistance to fatigue, aging, and environmental factors such as UV radiation and moisture. Further, use of recycled polymers contributes to environmental sustainability by promoting waste reuse. Further, the modified hybrid bitumen composition of the present invention is focused on improving PMB-bitumen compatibility, enhancing storage stability, and cost-effective over the conventional bitumen thus making it a preferred choice for high-stress and long-life pavement applications, supporting the development of more resilient and sustainable road infrastructure.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, the synthetic wax added to the hybrid bitumen improves its performance by enhancing its stiffness and temperature stability, thereby, increasing the hardness of bitumen at higher temperatures, which reduces the risk of deformation such as rutting or softening under heavy traffic or hot weather conditions and lowers the viscosity of bitumen during processing, making it easier to handle and apply at lower temperatures as well.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, the addition of inorganic and organic acids plays important roles in modifying its properties and enhancing its performance. Organic acids act as natural surfactants, improving the adhesion between bitumen and aggregates, which is crucial for the durability of the hybrid bitumen composition, thereby increasing the cohesion within the bitumen, reducing the likelihood of stripping and moisture damage. On the other hand, the inorganic acids are often involved in the refining process and can influence the chemical composition and stability of the hybrid bitumen. Both types of acids can affect the bitumen’s aging behavior by interacting with its molecular structure, potentially improving its resistance to oxidation and hardening over time.
According to another embodiment, the inclusion of all the above materials in specific percentages, combined with the novel method of the present invention, results in a more durable, resilient, and longer-lasting bitumen product. This makes the composition highly suitable for a wide range of advanced paving and roofing applications. The method involves a series of controlled heating and stirring steps to ensure the homogeneous dispersion and chemical interaction of the modifiers within the base bitumen, yielding a highly durable and resilient material for high-stress and long-life construction.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, the novel method for preparing the hybrid bitumen composition involves a series of controlled heating and stirring steps to ensure the homogeneous dispersion and chemical interaction of the modifiers within the base bitumen. The process begins by heating a quantity of base bitumen to a specific temperature range, typically between 100°C and 200°C, for a set duration to make it fully molten and uniform. Following this, the thermoplastic elastomers are gradually added to the heated bitumen while being continuously stirred. Once the polymers are thoroughly dispersed, synthetic wax is slowly introduced and stirring continues. This is a crucial step for achieving the desired viscosity. After the wax is fully incorporated, the graphene oxide nanoparticles are added and stirred to ensure uniform distribution throughout the mixture. Finally, the organic compounds and inorganic acids are introduced, and the mixture is stirred for an extended period to allow for complete blending and chemical interaction among all the components. The resulting hybrid bitumen composition is then cooled to solidify into a highly durable and resilient material suitable for high-stress and long-life construction applications.
TEST METHOD
According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention the hybrid bitumen composition of the present invention is prepared by the novel method of the present invention in a lab scale to taste the efficacy of the composition over the conventional bitumen, wherein the method comprises the steps of: a) heating 1000 g of a base bitumen to a temperature between 100-200°C for 30-90 minutes with continuous stirring; b) gradually adding 8 to 40 g of a thermoplastic elastomer to the heated bitumen and stirring for 30-120 minutes; c) introducing 2.5 to 25 g of a synthetic wax to the mixture and stirring for 10-90 minutes; d) adding 0.01 to 10 g of a graphene oxide nanoparticles and stirring for 10-90 minutes; e) introducing 1 to 15 g of an organic compound and 5 to 25 g of an inorganic acid to the mixture and stirring for 30-120 minutes to form a homogeneous solution; and f) cooling the homogeneous solution to room temperature to prepare the desired hybrid bitumen composition of the present invention.
The resulting hybrid bitumen composition shows significant improvements in properties such as softening point, elastic recovery, viscosity, and aging resistance. The FTIR analysis confirms the successful incorporation and chemical interaction of the modifiers.
According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the hybrid bitumen composition of the present invention is analysed through FTIR spectrum analysis, wherein as shown in FIG. 1, it is observed that the peak at 2918 cm-1 indicates the asymmetric C-H stretching vibrations in CH2 and CH3, and the subsequent peak 2846 cm-1 in the FIG.1 indicates the symmetric stretching vibrations of the C−H in the CH2 and CH3 alkane chain. The peak at 1605 cm-1 is assigned to the aromatic C=C stretching vibrations. Peaks at 1454 and 1377 cm-1 correspond to the aliphatic CH2 and CH3 bending vibrations, whereas, peaks in the range of 900 to 500 cm-1 show aromatic C-H bending vibrations. In the modified bitumen, peaks are the same, but their intensities are slightly reduced and shifted. In hybrid bitumen composition, the asymmetric C-H stretching vibrations of CH2 and CH3 appear at 2911 cm-1. Peak at 2848 cm-1 represents the symmetric stretching vibrations of the C−H in the CH2 and CH3 alkane chain. Peak at 1574 cm-1 indicates the aromatic C=C stretching vibrations. While peaks at 1457 and 1371 cm-1 correspond to the aliphatic CH2 and CH3 bending vibrations. A new peak at 1014 cm-1 arises due to the C-O bending vibrations. A new peak at 1014 cm-1 shows the C-O bending vibrations due to the crosslinking of bitumen with thermoplastics, elastomers, synthetic wax, graphene oxide nanoparticles, organic compounds, and inorganic acids to improve its properties. Aromatic C-H bending vibrations are present in the 900 to 500 cm-1 range.
According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the softening points of conventional VG-grade bitumen—VG10, VG30, and VG40—are 38 °C, 48 °C, and 47 °C, respectively, indicating limited thermal resistance under elevated temperatures. In contrast, the hybrid bitumen composition of the present invention exhibits a significantly higher softening point of 77.5 °C, demonstrating enhanced performance compared to these base grades. According to standard specifications the softening point for Polymer Modified Bitumen (PMB) varies significantly depending on the specific grade and formulation. PMB-40 typically has a minimum softening point of 60°C, while PMB-70-10 generally requires a minimum of 65°C. For specialized grades like PMB-120/70/40, the softening point can range considerably higher, specifically between 110°C and 120°C. More broadly, softening points for various PMB grades generally fall within a range of 35°C to 70°C, though they can often exceed this range based on their specific polymeric modification. The softening point of hybrid bitumen composition of the present invention not only meets but exceeds the requirements for all these PMB grades, including PMB 76-22E, which has the highest threshold. This clearly establishes hybrid bitumen composition of the present invention as a superior binder in terms of thermal stability, making it suitable for high-performance road applications where elevated temperature resistance is critical.
The modified hybrid bitumen composition provides significant advantages over conventional bitumen, including superior waterproofing capabilities and greater resistance to UV radiation, oxidation, and weathering, which collectively extend its service life and reduce maintenance costs. The composition exhibits excellent durability under foot traffic and mechanical stress, making it suitable for both low-slope roofs and high-traffic roadways. The composition shows improved rheological properties provide better control over viscosity and workability during application. It also displays self-healing characteristics, where minor cracks can seal themselves under heat, extending the pavement’s service life. Its ability to be applied at lower temperatures in warm mix asphalt systems reduces energy consumption and environmental impact, making it a highly durable, sustainable, and high-performance solution. The hybrid nature of this composition, a synergistic blend of base bitumen with thermoplastic elastomers, synthetic wax, graphene oxide nanoparticles, organic compounds, and inorganic acids, is what provides the material with its enhanced elasticity, allowing it to withstand heavy traffic and extreme temperatures without deforming or cracking.
Because many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence.
, Claims:We Claim:
1. A hybrid bitumen composition comprising liquid bitumen, wherein hybrid bitumen composition characterized in that comprises:
a) 0.8 to 4 parts (w/w) of thermoplastic elastomers per 100 parts of said bitumen;
b) 0.25 to 2.5 parts (w/w) of synthetic wax per 100 parts of said bitumen;
c) 0.001 to 1 part (w/w) of graphene oxide nanoparticles per 100 parts of said bitumen;
d) 0.1 to 1.5 parts w/w of organic compound per 100 parts of said bitumen; and
e) 0.5 to 2.5 parts (w/w) of inorganic acid per 100 parts of said bitumen.
2. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein said thermoplastic elastomer is selected from the group consisting of Polypropylene (PP), Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS), Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Nylon, or a combination thereof.
3. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein said synthetic wax is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene wax (PE wax), Poly Tetrafluoroethylene, Ethylene Bis Stearamide (EBS), polypropylene wax, Fischer-Tropsch waxes, or a combination thereof.
4. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein said inorganic acid is selected from the group consisting of Eaton’s reagent, Polyphosphoric acid, Pyrophosphoric acid, Tri-metaphosphoric acid, Metaphosphoric acid, or a combination thereof.
5. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein said organic compound is selected from the group consisting of Glutaraldehyde, Diethylene glycol diacrylate (DEGDA), Polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA), N,N'-methylenebis (acrylamide) (MBAA), formaldehyde, or a combination thereof.
6. A method for preparing a hybrid bitumen composition, comprising the steps of:
a) heating 100 parts (w/w) of bitumen to a temperature between 100-200°C for 30-90 minutes with continuous stirring;
b) gradually adding 0.8 to 4 parts (w/w) of a thermoplastic elastomer to the heated bitumen and stirring for 30-120 minutes, wherein said thermoplastic elastomer is selected from the group consisting of Polypropylene (PP), Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS), Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Nylon, or a combination thereof;
c) introducing 0.25 to 2.5 parts (w/w) of a synthetic wax to the mixture and stirring for 10-90 minutes, wherein said synthetic wax is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene wax (PE wax), Poly Tetrafluoroethylene, Ethylene Bis Stearamide (EBS), polypropylene wax, Fischer-Tropsch waxes, or a combination thereof;
d) adding 0.001 to 1 part of graphene oxide nanoparticles and stirring for 10-90 minutes;
e) introducing 0.1 to 1.5 parts (w/w) of an organic compound, wherein said organic compound is selected from the group consisting of Glutaraldehyde, Diethylene glycol diacrylate (DEGDA), Polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA), N,N'-methylenebis (acrylamide) (MBAA), formaldehyde, or a combination thereof;
f) adding 0.5 to 2.5 parts (w/w) of an inorganic acid to the mixture and stirring for 30-120 minutes to form a homogeneous solution wherein said inorganic acid is selected from the group consisting of Eaton’s reagent, Polyphosphoric acid, Pyrophosphoric acid, Tri-metaphosphoric acid, Metaphosphoric acid, or a combination thereof; and
g) cooling the homogeneous solution to room temperature.
7. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bitumen is a viscosity grade VG10, VG20, VG30, or VG40 bitumen.
| # | Name | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 202511075840-Proof of Right [08-08-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-08-08 |
| 2 | 202511075840-POWER OF AUTHORITY [08-08-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-08-08 |
| 3 | 202511075840-FORM-9 [08-08-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-08-08 |
| 4 | 202511075840-FORM-5 [08-08-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-08-08 |
| 5 | 202511075840-FORM FOR STARTUP [08-08-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-08-08 |
| 6 | 202511075840-FORM FOR SMALL ENTITY(FORM-28) [08-08-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-08-08 |
| 7 | 202511075840-FORM 3 [08-08-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-08-08 |
| 8 | 202511075840-FORM 1 [08-08-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-08-08 |
| 9 | 202511075840-EVIDENCE FOR REGISTRATION UNDER SSI(FORM-28) [08-08-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-08-08 |
| 10 | 202511075840-EVIDENCE FOR REGISTRATION UNDER SSI [08-08-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-08-08 |
| 11 | 202511075840-ENDORSEMENT BY INVENTORS [08-08-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-08-08 |
| 12 | 202511075840-DRAWINGS [08-08-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-08-08 |
| 13 | 202511075840-COMPLETE SPECIFICATION [08-08-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-08-08 |
| 14 | 202511075840-STARTUP [13-08-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-08-13 |
| 15 | 202511075840-Proof of Right [13-08-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-08-13 |
| 16 | 202511075840-FORM28 [13-08-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-08-13 |
| 17 | 202511075840-FORM 18A [13-08-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-08-13 |