Rubberized Asphalt Foundation Study Concludes Recycled Tire Rubber Can Take Place of Performance Grade Polymer Modified Asphalt

CHEVY CHASE, Md., Jan. 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- A whitepaper issued by the Rubberized Asphalt Foundation (RAF), a research foundation dedicated to the science and practical use of recycled tire rubber in asphalt pavements, concludes that recycled tire rubber (RTR) binders can be used in place of polymer modified binders such as Styrene Butadiene Styrene (SBS) and achieve the same performance-graded (PG) results.  The whitepaper was authored for RAF by advisory board member Dr. John D'Angelo, P.E., principal of D'Angelo Consulting, LLC. 

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"Polymer modified binders such as Superpave PG 76-22 have been used extensively on high volume highways to improve rutting and cracking performance," said George Way, chairman of RAF. "Given the current economics and higher costs for materials, highway agencies are looking for alternatives to the typical polymer modified binder systems."

RTR binders have been extensively used to provide the same type of improved performance as SBS. The issue with polymer modifiers is that they are subject to supply demands and chemical production variations that can lead to supply shortages and higher costs. Scrap tire rubber for RTR is in plentiful supply with a relatively stable cost that is attractive for use to produce improved binders.

A full report of the findings is available at www.ra-foundation.org.

About Rubberized Asphalt Foundation (RAF)   
Rubberized Asphalt Foundation (RAF) is a research foundation dedicated to the science and practical use of recycled tire rubber in asphalt.  RAF serves as a comprehensive, expert resource to provide technical knowledge and awareness that will enhance the development and broad use of rubberized asphalt.  The foundation is comprised of renowned international experts from academia, government and industry who are leading the scientific development of recycled rubber for asphalt applications. For more information, please visit www.ra-foundation.org.

Contact: Michael Cope
For Rubberized Asphalt Foundation  
412-642-7700    
[email protected]   

SOURCE Rubberized Asphalt Foundation