Scientists of KazdorNII bring domestic polymer to the market

Polymer modifiers are increasingly used in the production of asphalt concrete in the world. They give new properties to the material, thanks to which resistance to constant mechanical and temperature loads increases. The use of polymers in the professional environment is considered the most effective and rational way to improve the operational properties of the road surface.

Due to the growing demand in the market, a group of Kazakhstan scientists created their own polymer. The unique composition has successfully passed long-term tests and introduction into industrial production. QSmart PM gives bitumen a higher resistance to cracking and softening at significant decrease and increase of temperature regime, as well as to mechanical wear, fatigue and aging.

The modified asphalt concrete is less susceptible to deformation and rutting, is elastic and plastic, and is water resistant.

Scientists note that the novelty is better suited for climatic conditions in Kazakhstan and compares favorably with foreign analogs with a more affordable price.

“Requirements for the quality of roads are now increasing, so contractors have become more interested in new developments. Polymer bitumen with the use of modifier showed high results on softening temperature and brittleness indicators. This proves that the modifier is suitable for both southern and northern regions of the country, which is extremely important for our sharply continental climate. Road construction is a material-consuming industry, so the cost of each kilogram of the additive and its consumption is also of great importance for the economy of road construction. In this sense, the domestic material has more advantages,” says Meiramgul Kabdygaliyeva, Director of the Department of Road Construction Materials and New Technologies at KazdorNII.

Kazakhstan’s QSmart PM polymer looks like a black, finely dispersed powder that can be dosed directly into the mixers of asphalt-concrete plants, and no additional retrofitting is required. The scientists have now agreed on industrial production of the polymer at a Kazakhstan facility.