Checklist for Using Stylink® Modified Asphalt for Hma
Stylink® Technology is the Road Science™ process for making polymer modified asphalt binder. We manufacture it at our plants by chemically reacting a Styrene-Butadiene (SB) block copolymer in the base asphalt cement. When Stylink® is shipped, it is ready to use in the hot mix plant with little, if any, special care. To make sure that Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) made from Stylink® binder meets expectations for handling and performance, it’s important to follow normal good practices and workmanship, as with any asphalt. It’s just common sense, but normal care on any project means you will avoid down time and have the best quality finished job.
Shipped ready-to-use in same vehicles as liquid asphalt cement.
Stylink® polymer asphalt is normally delivered to the hot mix plant between 310 and 350°F (154-177°C). It can be shipped in the same vehicles used to transport conventional liquid asphalt cement. Compatible with unmodified asphalt tank bottoms. While there is no problem using existing asphalt tanks for Stylink® polymer modified asphalt, the tank should be empty so you don’t dilute the polymer and lose some of its high performance properties. Mixing unmodified asphalt cement with Stylink® PMAC is normally not a problem, except large quantities will understandably dilute the polymer concentration, and will probably bring the material out of specification. Very small quantities in the bottom of the asphalt tank will have little, if any, effect on the operation or the concentration.
Agitation not needed. Stylink® polymer asphalt is a homogeneous material which can be safely stored without worry of polymer separation when normal care is taken. It doesn’t need agitation. But if the Stylink® polymer modified asphalt is cooled and reheated, normal circulation of the tank is recommended to evenly distribute the temperature.
Long term storage below 300°F, don’t heat above 350°F. If the project (and the hot mix production) is delayed, the Stylink® polymer asphalt should be stored below 300°F (150°C) to prevent degradation. When SBS modified asphalts are held much above 300°F for extended periods of time (several weeks or longer) the polymer may begin to break down. If there will be a long delay (more than three or four weeks), it’s best to turn off the heat completely or keep it set below 275°F (135°C). Stylink asphalt can be heated to 350°F for a short period of time if needed for specific projects. See the temperature guideline table for more information.