The Department of High Viscosity Oil and Natural Bitumen is working on a new type of asphalt concrete.

Department Chair Alim Kemalov explains, “Previously, it was thought that asphalt concrete can only be improved through increasing the adhesion properties of bitumen, the material used as adhesive in asphalt concrete. As our longstanding research shows, you can improve both bitumen and asphalt concrete by a multifunctional modifier.”

The group uses volumetric project methodology to research high-carbon materials.

“We managed to modify petroleum coke,” continues Kemalov. “Tests have shown that our mixes have good physico-mechanical properties. We are getting ready to produce a test batch of the multifunctional modifier and asphalt concrete.”

At the same time, the department works on creating catalytic technologies for the synthesis of high-molecular and low-molecular compounds, including polymers with targeted molecular masses resistant to oxidation and mechanical effects.

“This can become a solution to create new locally produced modifiers, elastomer bitumen, and polymer bitumen adhesives in accordance with international quality standards PG and SuperPave,” says the interviewee.

Lately, three theses – one DSc, one PhD, and one master’s – have been dedicated specifically to this new type of asphalt concrete. A new test center for oil, bitumen and reagents was established.

Alim Kemalov notes that the Republic of Tatarstan has everything to develop high-resistance asphalt concrete production – industrial capacity, raw materials, and qualified staff.

The team plans to complete tests on the modifier, adhesives, and asphalt concrete before the end of the year 2020. If successful, the material may be used for the planned motorway M-12 connecting Moscow and Kazan, a part of the Europe – Western China transport corridor.

Source text and photos: Larisa Busil

Translation: Yury Nurmeev