The country's scientific community continues to look for ways to improve the efficiency of road construction. In one of their current scientific projects, KazdorNII specialists are testing a technology that allows them to replace imported additives and reduce the cost of asphalt without losing its quality characteristics In a new scientific project, part of the synthetic polymers in the asphalt mixture was replaced by a natural component, which had previously been used in road construction, but in a different role.

The study confirmed that the new approach can significantly reduce the cost of asphalt concrete by halving the percentage of polymer in its composition. The material with the new additive is able to withstand loads at the same level as classic polymer mixtures while maintaining its physical and mechanical properties. One of the main results was a reduction in the formation of ruts - longitudinal depressions on roads from heavy loads Thus, the use of a new natural component makes the development not only a technological, but also an economically significant achievement.

The scientists are now working on improving the formula and studying in depth the long-term effects of the components on the properties of asphalt. The technology is going through phases of additional practical testing and certification to become part of the production process in the future

"Mass implementation requires adaptation of technological processes and confirmation of the stability of material properties. However, we already see that this technology can open new opportunities for the road industry,”said Saltanat Ashimova, head of the department of road-building materials and new technologies at KazdorNII.

Meanwhile, Kazakhstan uses asphalt concrete with imported polymer admixtures, which makes road construction not only expensive but also dependent on foreign supplies.

Scientists are confident that the domestic development, providing for local additives of natural origin, will allow replacing up to half of the traditional volume of imported polymer.