CHEMICAL METHOD AND COMPOSITION FOR PROMOTING ADHESION AND PREVENTING ROAD CRACKING

Abstract

A method for increased adhesion and prevention of pavement cracking by subsurface application of a composition comprising a synthetic fluid or base oil, a pour point depressant, a binder, and various combinations thereof.

Description

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent Ser. No. 14/052,203, filed on Oct. 11, 2013, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 13/680,518, filed on Nov. 19, 2012, which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 13/185,821, filed on Jul. 19, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,313,668, which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 12/696,550, filed Jan. 29, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,048,333, which claims priority to a provisional patent application filed Jan. 29, 2009, entitled CHEMICAL METHOD FOR SOIL IMPROVEMENT IN COLD REGIONS, having Ser. No. 61/148,216, and to a provisional patent application filed Jan. 25, 2010, entitled A CHEMICAL METHOD FOR SOIL IMPROVEMENT, having Ser. No. 61/297,843, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

This invention relates to a method of promoting adhesion and prevention against pavement cracking utilizing synthetic fluids and other non-synthetic base oils and various combinations of polyolefins, carboxylic acids, pour point depressants, and esters.

2. Background

Billions of dollars are spent annually in the U.S. for required maintenance of paved roadways. These repairs are often necessitated by pavement cracking or deterioration. Pavement distress, such as holes and cracks, represent a significant engineering and economic concern. Surface tension from traffic, expansion and contraction of the pavement as temperatures increase and decrease, drying out of the surrounding earth and other environmental factors decrease the strength of the pavement and contribute to the occurrence of cracking Furthermore, once cracked, water can infiltrate the cracks causing further deterioration of the pavement.

Damaged paved surfaces are commonly repaired by overlaying a new surface layer of pavement. However, many times, after repeated resurfacing, new cracks form directly over the old cracks in what is known as reflective cracking. In such cases, complete resurfacing may be necessary, which is extremely costly. As a result, many pavement reinforcement methods and materials have been tried to reduce the incidence of cracking.

In order to reduce the incidence of pavement cracking, plasticizers, commonly phthalate esters of straight-chain and branched alkyl alcohols, or superplasticizers, such as sodium gluconate naphthalene formaldehyde and other sulphonic groups, have traditionally been added to asphalt and concrete mixtures to decrease the water content and increase the fluidity of pavement suspensions. However, one disadvantage of the use of such plasticizers and superplasticizers in solution is that too high a degree of ductility results in rutting in the surface of the pavement. In addition, many phthalate plasticizers have notable toxicity and negative ecological effects. A further disadvantage in using plasticizers in this manner is that the nature and amount of plasticizer needed can vary widely depending on geographic location, traffic density, and temperature conditions.

To prevent rutting in the pavement surface, reinforcing fibers have been added to pavement suspensions to increase strength and durability. Addition of such reinforcing fibers may result in negative effects by decreasing the workability of the pavement composition. Such workability issues require unnecessary cost additives.

Still further, crack resistant coatings have been applied to pavement surfaces. However, these coatings, while increasing the resistance to high vertical and horizontal movements and high shear stresses on the surface, still cracking occurs when pavement hardens from aging to the point that it cannot relieve the expansion and contraction stress caused by changes in temperature. Furthermore, surface coatings do not protect against deterioration caused by sublayer ground moisture.

Thus, although there have been many attempts to provide a pavement with increased resistance to cracking, there is need for a product which provides subsurface waterproofing, is environmentally friendly and acts as a plasticizer to increase the ductility of pavement without affecting the composition of the pavement suspension, allowing the pavement enough flexibility to handle stress induced by surface tension, temperature changes and other environmental factors while maintaining its strength and durability.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, one of the main objectives and advantages of our invention is improved plasticity in cured pavement. In addition, our invention provides additional benefits over traditional methods used to prevent pavement cracking. It remains active over long periods of time resulting in delayed pavement hardening, is insoluble in water resisting wet conditions and contains no electrolytes thus inhibits corrosion. Furthermore, the chemical agents used are formulated from safe aliphatic and cyclic organic compositions.

The present invention relates to a heterogeneous mixture produced by blending aliphatic or cyclic organic compositions with carboxylic acids of chemical structure R—COOH and applied in a manner to promote adhesion to the underlying base of the pavement. The aliphatic and cyclic compositions act as plasticizers and carriers for the carboxylic acids. When applied, the plasticized carboxylic acid provides a durable, reworkable binder that associates with the surface particles on the base of the pavement, after the pavement has been applied to the base. The chemical agent is manufactured and applied using conventional mixing and applied using conventional construction equipment.

The present invention also encompasses a heterogeneous mixture produced by blending aliphatic or cyclic organic compositions with polyolefins of chemical structure CnH2n or R—C2nH3n, applied as base in a manner to promote adhesion to the underlying base of the pavement. The aliphatic and cyclic compositions act as plasticizers and carriers for the polyolefin to adhere to the surface of the base of the pavement. The plasticized polyolefin provides a durable, reworkable binder that associates with the surface particles on the base of the pavement. The chemical agent is manufactured and applied using conventional mixing and applied using conventional construction equipment.

The present invention also incorporates a pour point depressant.

Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description.

DEFINITIONS

Adhesion—the tendency of certain dissimilar molecules to cling together due to attractive forces.

Agglomeration—the process of particle size enlargement in which small, fine particles (such as dusts or powders) are gathered into larger masses, clusters, pellets, or briquettes for use as end products or in secondary processing steps.

Binder—additives to the material being agglomerated that produce bonding strength in the final product.

Bonding—the forces of cohesion between particles, as in agglomerate bonding or bonding strength.

Carboxylic Acid—an organic acids characterized by the presence of a carboxyl group, which has the formula —C(═O)OH, usually written —COOH or —CO₂H. Carboxylic acids are Brønsted-Lowry acids—they are proton donors.

Clustering—loose bonding of particles by pendular and funicular bridges in the presence of moisture.

Cohesion—the intermolecular attraction between like-molecules.

Hydrocracking—the elimination of aromatics and polar compounds achieved by chemically reacting the feedstock with hydrogen, in the presence of a catalyst, at high temperatures and pressures.

Hydroisomerization—The isomerization of alkane hydrocarbons via an intermediate alkene.

Lipophilic Fluid—a fluid having an affinity for, tending to combine with, or capable of dissolving in lipids.

Olefin—an unsaturated chemical compound containing at least one carbon-to-carbon double bond (also called an alkene with the general formula C_nH_2n).

Polyolefin—a polymer produced from a simple olefin as a monomer.

Pour Point Depressant—Pour point depressants (also known as PPDs) are polymers that are designed to control wax crystal formation in lubricants resulting in lower pour point and improved low temperature flow performance.

Road Surface—durable surface material (asphalt, concrete, or composite of asphalt and concrete) laid down on an area intended to sustain vehicular or foot traffic, such as a road or walkway.

Synthetic isoalkane—A synthetic alkane with a branched chain whose next-to-last carbon atom is bonded to a single methyl group.

Viscosity Index Improver—a chemical component that increases the viscosity index (a measure for the change of kinematic viscosity with temperature).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

At least one embodiment of the invention is set forth in the following description and is particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims.

In one embodiment of the present invention utilizes a composition for promoting adhesion to pavement surface particles and preventing pavement cracking The liquid agent is comprised of a synthetic fluid in combination with a pour point depressant in colder temperatures. By “synthetic” it is meant a substance, pure or a mixture, which has undergone at least one major chemical transformation (reaction) in its manufacture or processing. A simple physical separation, purification, or transformation (i.e. freezing or boiling) does not constitute a major chemical reaction. In one embodiment, the pour point depressant is chosen from acrylic, acrylic copolymer, polymethacrylate, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, vinyl acetate olefin copolymers, alkyl esters of styrene-maleic anhydride copolymers, alkyl esters of unsaturated carboxylic acids, polyalkylacrylates, alkyl phenols, alpha olefin copolymers, and polyakyl methacrylate. Adhesion of the synthetic fluid and pour point depressant with the surface particles of pavement will increase the pavement bearing strength while maintaining a degree of flexibility. The improvements in pavement plasticity can be achieved in cold weather environments at temperatures well below the freezing point of water. Typically, in warmer climates this soil improvement is accomplished by the use of water. This invention has the benefit over traditional methods by virtue of its ability to disperse among and adhere to surface particles of the pavement base rather than mixed throughout. It also remains in situ, gaining strength due to the water proofing ability, protection against freeze thaw, frost heave, and pavement adhesion characteristics of the chemical composition. In one embodiment of the invention, the synthetic fluid is about 98% to about 99.9% by weight (including, but not limited to, 98.0, 98.1, 98.2, 98.3, 98.4, 98.5, 98.6, 98.7, 98.8, 98.9, 99.0, 99.1, 99.2, 99.3, 99.4, 99.5, 99.6, 99.7, 99.8, and 99.9) and the pour point depressant is about 0.01% to about 2% by weight (including, but not limited to, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.10, 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, 0.14, 0.15, 0.16, 0.17, 0.18, 0.19, 0.20, 0.21, 0.22, 0.23, 0.24, 0.25, 0.26, 0.27, 0.28, 0.29, 0.30, 0.31, 0.32, 0.33, 0.34, 0.35, 0.36, 0.37, 0.38, 0.39, 0.40, 0.41, 0.42, 0.43, 0.44, 0.45, 0.46, 0.47, 0.48, 0.49, 0.50, 0.51, 0.52, 0.53, 0.54, 0.55, 0.56, 0.57, 0.58, 0.59, 0.60, 0.61, 0.62, 0.63, 0.64, 0.65, 0.66, 0.67, 0.68, 0.69, 0.70, 0.71, 0.72, 0.73, 0.74, 0.75, 0.76, 0.77, 0.78, 0.79, 0.80, 0.81, 0.82, 0.83, 0.84, 0.85, 0.86, 0.87, 0.88, 0.89, 0.90, 0.91, 0.92, 0.93, 0.94, 0.95, 0.96, 0.97, 0.98, 0.99, 1.00, 1.01, 1.02, 1.03, 1.04, 1.05, 1.06, 1.07, 1.08, 1.09, 1.10, 1.11, 1.12, 1.13, 1.14, 1.15, 1.16, 1.17, 1.18, 1.19, 1.20, 1.21, 1.22, 1.23, 1.24, 1.25, 1.26, 1.27, 1.28, 1.29, 1.30, 1.31, 1.32, 1.33, 1.34, 1.35, 1.36, 1.37, 1.38, 1.39, 1.40, 1.41, 1.42, 1.43, 1.44, 1.45, 1.46, 1.47, 1.48, 1.49, 1.51, 1.50, 1.52, 1.53, 1.54, 1.55, 1.56, 1.57, 1.58, 1.59, 1.60, 1.61, 1.62, 1.63, 1.64, 1.65, 1.66, 1.67, 1.68, 1.69, 1.70, 1.71, 1.72, 1.73, 1.74, 1.75, 1.76, 1.77, 1.78, 1.79, 1.80, 1.81, 1.82, 1.83, 1.84, 1.85, 1.86, 1.87, 1.88, 1.89, 1.90, 1.91, 1.92, 1.93, 1.94, 1.95, 1.96, 1.97, 1.98, 1.99, and 2.00). In another embodiment, the synthetic fluid is between about 80% to about 95% by weight (including, but not limited to, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, and 95), the pour point depressant is between about 0.1% to about 0.9% by weight (including, but not limited to, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, and 0.9), and a polyolefin is between about 5% to about 20% by weight (including, but not limited to, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20. In one embodiment, the composition is a paraffin-based, hydrophobic, liquid material that can be applied at temperatures down to at least −40° F. (−40° C.). The composition binds surface particles of pavement, making it water repellant while enabling increased plasticity. The composition is continuously active, therefore facilitating long-term strength and durability of pavement.

In another embodiment, the present invention utilizes a composition for promoting adhesion to pavement surface particles and preventing pavement cracking The pavement improvement agent is comprised of a synthetic fluid that meets EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) standards for offshore drilling, in combination with a pour point depressant for use in colder regions. In this embodiment the synthetic fluid is defined as a fluid that meets the EPA standards for offshore drilling, including the static sheer requirement, the sediment requirement, the polyaromatic hydrocarbon requirement, and the toxicity requirement. In one embodiment, the pour point depressant is chosen from acrylic, acrylic copolymer, polymethacrylate, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, vinyl acetate olefin copolymers, alkyl esters of styrene-maleic anhydride copolymers, alky esters of unsaturated carboxylic acids, polyalkylacrylates, alkyl phenols, alpha olefin copolymers, and polyakyl methacrylate. Adhesion of the synthetic fluid and pour point depressant with the surface particles of pavement will increase the pavement bearing strength while maintaining a degree of flexibility. The improvements in pavement plasticity can be achieved in cold weather environments at temperatures well below the freezing point of water. Typically, in warmer climates this soil improvement is accomplished by the use of water. This invention has the benefit over traditional methods by virtue of its ability to disperse among and adhere to surface particles of the pavement base rather than mixed throughout. It also remains in situ, gaining strength due to the water proofing ability, protection against freeze thaw, frost heave, and pavement adhesion characteristics of the chemical composition. In one embodiment of the invention, the synthetic fluid is about 98% to about 99.9% by weight (including, but not limited to, 98.0, 98.1, 98.2, 98.3, 98.4, 98.5, 98.6, 98.7, 98.8, 98.9, 99.0, 99.1, 99.2, 99.3, 99.4, 99.5, 99.6, 99.7, 99.8, and 99.9) and the pour point depressant is about 0.01% to about 2% by weight (including, but not limited to, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.10, 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, 0.14, 0.15, 0.16, 0.17, 0.18, 0.19, 0.20, 0.21, 0.22, 0.23, 0.24, 0.25, 0.26, 0.27, 0.28, 0.29, 0.30, 0.31, 0.32, 0.33, 0.34, 0.35, 0.36, 0.37, 0.38, 0.39, 0.40, 0.41, 0.42, 0.43, 0.44, 0.45, 0.46, 0.47, 0.48, 0.49, 0.50, 0.51, 0.52, 0.53, 0.54, 0.55, 0.56, 0.57, 0.58, 0.59, 0.60, 0.61, 0.62, 0.63, 0.64, 0.65, 0.66, 0.67, 0.68, 0.69, 0.70, 0.71, 0.72, 0.73, 0.74, 0.75, 0.76, 0.77, 0.78, 0.79, 0.80, 0.81, 0.82, 0.83, 0.84, 0.85, 0.86, 0.87, 0.88, 0.89, 0.90, 0.91, 0.92, 0.93, 0.94, 0.95, 0.96, 0.97, 0.98, 0.99, 1.00, 1.01, 1.02, 1.03, 1.04, 1.05, 1.06, 1.07, 1.08, 1.09, 1.10, 1.11, 1.12, 1.13, 1.14, 1.15, 1.16, 1.17, 1.18, 1.19, 1.20, 1.21, 1.22, 1.23, 1.24, 1.25, 1.26, 1.27, 1.28, 1.29, 1.30, 1.31, 1.32, 1.33, 1.34, 1.35, 1.36, 1.37, 1.38, 1.39, 1.40, 1.41, 1.42, 1.43, 1.44, 1.45, 1.46, 1.47, 1.48, 1.49, 1.51, 1.50, 1.52, 1.53, 1.54, 1.55, 1.56, 1.57, 1.58, 1.59, 1.60, 1.61, 1.62, 1.63, 1.64, 1.65, 1.66, 1.67, 1.68, 1.69, 1.70, 1.71, 1.72, 1.73, 1.74, 1.75, 1.76, 1.77, 1.78, 1.79, 1.80, 1.81, 1.82, 1.83, 1.84, 1.85, 1.86, 1.87, 1.88, 1.89, 1.90, 1.91, 1.92, 1.93, 1.94, 1.95, 1.96, 1.97, 1.98, 1.99, and 2.00). In another embodiment, the synthetic fluid is between about 80% to about 95% by weight (including, but not limited to, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, and 95), the pour point depressant is between about 0.1% to about 0.9% by weight (including, but not limited to, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, and 0.9), and a polyolefin is between about 5% to about 20% by weight (including, but not limited to, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20. In one embodiment, the application of the soil improvement composition does not require any water. The composition is a paraffin-based, hydrophobic, liquid material that can be applied at temperatures down to at least −40° F. (−40° C.). The composition binds surface particles of pavement, making it water repellant while enabling increased plasticity. The composition is continuously active, therefore facilitating long-term strength and durability of pavement.

In another embodiment, the composition is a synthetic fluid, which in one embodiment is severely hydrotreated synthetic isoalkane and binder, which in one embodiment is polyolefin. The synthetic fluid can be between about 50% to about 95% by weight (which includes, but is not limited to 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, and 95) in this embodiment and the binder can be between about 5% and about 50% by weight (which includes, but is not limited to 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, and 50).

In another embodiment, synthetic fluid is combined with a pour point depressant and a thermoplastic polyolefin compound including: polyisobutylene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutenes, polyisoprene, and their copolymers. In another embodiment, the synthetic fluid can be combined with the polyisobutylene without the pour point depressant. It is also to be understood that a binder can be added to any of the embodiments as well. In yet another embodiment, synthetic fluid is combined with pitch rosin blend. Pitch rosin operates as a binder. In all of the above embodiments, the synthetic fluid can be synthetic isoalkane, having an unsaturated hydrocarbon content of less that 1%, a saturate percentage of greater than 99% (although it is to be understood that the saturate percentage can also be 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, or 99%), is either a synthetic or semi-synthetic hydrocarbon, is either a hydrotreated synthetic isoalkane, a hydrocracked synthetic isoalkane, or a hydroisomerized synthetic isoalkane, has a viscosity of at least about 19 centistokes @68° F., a flame point greater than about 266° F., and has a flash point of about 350° F. The synthetic fluid combined with polyisobutylene helps give even distribution of the load.

In another embodiment, the composition is a base oil, which in one embodiment is severely hydrotreated synthetic isoalkane and binder, which in one embodiment is polyolefin. The base oil can be between about 50% to about 95% by weight (which includes, but is not limited to 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, and 95) in this embodiment and the binder can be between about 5% and about 50% by weight (which includes, but is not limited to 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, and 50).

In another embodiment, base oil is combined with a pour point depressant and a thermoplastic polyolefin compound including: polyisobutylene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutenes, polyisoprene, and their copolymers. In another embodiment, the base oil can be combined with the polyisobutylene without the pour point depressant. It is also to be understood that a binder can be added to any of the embodiments as well. In yet another embodiment, base oil is combined with pitch. In all of the above embodiments, the base oil can be synthetic isoalkane, having an unsaturated hydrocarbon content of less than 1%, a saturate percentage of greater than 99% (although it is to be understood that the saturate percentage can also be 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, or 99%), is either a synthetic or semi-synthetic hydrocarbon, is either a hydrotreated synthetic isoalkane, a hydrocracked synthetic isoalkane, or a hydroisomerized synthetic isoalkane, has a viscosity of at least about 19 centistokes @68° F. (20° C.) , a flame point greater than about 266° F. (130° C.), and has a flash point of about 350° F. (177° C.). The base oil combined with polyisobutylene helps give even distribution of the load.

There are five specific categories of base oils. These categories define the type of base stock the oil is formulated from. The categories are as follows. Note that the base oil group category is followed by the manufacturing method (in bold print) and then a description of the oil characteristics for each category.

Group I—Solvent Freezing: Group 1 base oils are the least refined of all the groups. They are usually a mix of different hydrocarbon chains with little or no uniformity. While some automotive oils on the market use Group I stocks, they are generally used in less demanding applications.

Group II—Hydro Processing and Refining: Group II base oils are common in mineral based motor oils currently available on the market. They have fair to good performance in lubricating properties such as volatility, oxidative stability and flash/fire points. They have only fair performance in areas such as pour point, cold crank viscosity and extreme pressure wear.

Group III—Hydro processing and Refining: Group III base oils are subjected to the highest level of mineral oil refining of the base oil groups. Although they are not chemically engineered, they offer good performance in a wide range of attributes as well as good molecular uniformity and stability. They are commonly mixed with additives and marketed as synthetic or semi-synthetic products. Group III base oils have become more common in America in the last decade.

Group IV—Chemical Reactions: Group IV base oils are chemically engineered synthetic base stocks. Polyalphaolefins (PAOs) are a common example of a synthetic base stock. Synthetics, when combined with additives, offer excellent performance over a wide range of lubricating properties. They have very stable chemical compositions and highly uniform molecular chains. Group IV base oils are becoming more common in synthetic and synthetic-blend products for automotive and industrial applications.

Group V—As Indicated: Group V base oils are used primarily in the creation of oil additives. Esters and polyolesters are both common Group V base oils used in the formulation of oil additives. Group V oils are generally not used as base oils themselves, but add beneficial properties to other base oils.

In some embodiments, the invention consists of aliphatic and cyclic organic compositions utilized as plasticizers and carriers that are blended with materials composed primarily of carboxylic acids and applied in a manner to produce improved levels of pavement durability through adhesion to the pavement subsurface and increasing the subsurface plasticity while increasing the pavement strength.

A novel and unexpected result occurs when carboxylic acids are blended with aliphatic or cyclic organic plasticizers and carriers. These blends are processed into either heterogeneous mixtures or emulsions that applied to soil, aggregate, or mineral provide high levels of long lasting dust control and stabilization. The invention exhibits tremendous moisture resistance, reworkability, working life, while being noncorrosive and nonhazardous.

Aliphatic organic compositions refers to saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons derived from petroleum, coal, or synthetic manufacturing including paraffins or alkanes, olefins, alkenes, and alkadienes. Alcohols, ethers, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, and carbohydrates. The invention, in some embodiments, is comprised of 0% to 95% by weight (which includes, but is not limited to 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, and 95) of these compositions.

Cyclic organic compositions refer to alicyclic hydrocarbons, cycloparaffins, cycloolefins, cycloacetylenes, aromatic hydrocarbons, heterocyclics, and any combinations of aliphatic and cyclic structures such as terpenes, amino acids, proteins and nucleic acids. The invention, in some embodiments, is comprised of 0% to 95% by weight (which includes, but is not limited to 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, and 95) of these compositions.

Carboxylic acid refers to any substance whose major constituents are saturated or unsaturated fatty acids and their esters derived from animal or vegetable fat or oil; and vegetable derived resins or rosin acids, all represented chemically R—COOH. The invention is comprised 5% to 70% by weight (which includes, but is not limited to 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, and 70) of these substances.

Plasticizer refers to organic compositions added to carboxylic acids to facilitate processing and increase the flexibility and durability of the final product.

Carrier refers to any organic compositions in which carboxylic acids are miscible in and serve as a vehicle to aid in the dispersion and adhesion of plasticized carboxylic acids onto the sub-surface particles of the pavement.

Heterogeneous mixtures refer to mixtures or solutions comprised of two or more substances, whether or not they are uniformly dispersed.

Emulsions refer to mixtures of two or more immiscible liquids held in suspension by small percentages of emulsifiers. Emulsifiers can be protein or carbohydrate polymers or long-chained alcohols and fatty acids. The emulsions can either be oil-in-water or water-in-oil continuous phase mixtures.

The invention is manufactured using conventional manufacturing equipment. Conventional mixers, emulsifiers, or colloid mills are utilized to blend these components into stable heterogeneous mixers or emulsions.

Application of the chemical agent is also accomplished by the use of conventional spray equipment. The agent is gravity fed or pumped through hoses, spray nozzles, or fixed sprayers and evenly applied to the soil or material to be treated. Motor-graders, asphalt grinders, mixers, pug mills, compactors, rollers, and other conventional construction equipment may be utilized to blend, set grade, and compact stabilized base if desired.

Once applied and pavement is overlayed on top of the composition, the liquid adheres to the pavement surface where two mechanisms contribute to the effect of increased pavement durability. The first is adhesion of molecules to the subsurface particles of pavement. The adhesion of the molecules contributes to dispersement of the pavement particles, increasing the pavement's subsurface plasticity, allowing the pavement increased flexibility to withstand expansion and contraction due to temperature changes.

The second mechanism is produced by the plasticized higher polymeric carboxylic acids which act as binders, in the embodiments in which binders are incorporated. The fatty acids and resins bind particles into a tightly cohesive base when subjected to compactive forces. The plasticized fatty acids and resins remain active even through severe wet weather and mechanical disturbances from heavy vehicles and high volume traffic. Our invention displays a unique and unexpected ability to be recompacted into a tightly cohesive base when disturbed, dramatically extending the working life of the chemical agents. In embodiments using synthetic isoalkane, the isoalkane can provide both cohesive and adhesive effects. In embodiments with esters, the ester can provide both cohesive and adhesive effects.

In some of the embodiments, the composition consists of aliphatic and cyclic organic compositions utilized as plasticizers and carriers that are blended with materials composed primarily of thermoplastic polyolefin compositions and applied in a manner to produce improved pavement durability.

A novel and unexpected result occurs when polyolefin compositions are blended with aliphatic or cyclic organic plasticizers and carriers. These blends are processed into either heterogeneous mixtures or emulsions that when applied beneath pavement suspensions and emulsions provides for adhesion of the mixture with subsurface pavement particles, increasing the plasticity of the pavement, while supplying base strength, and thus increased pavement durability. The invention exhibits tremendous moisture resistance, reworkability, working life, while being noncorrosive and nonhazardous.

Thermoplastic polyolefin composition refers to any substance derived from olefins with chemical structure C_nH_2n or R—C_2nH_3n, including polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutenes, polyisobutylenes, polyisoprene, and their copolymers. The invention, in some embodiments, is comprised of 2% to 90% by weight (which includes, but is not limited to 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, and 90) of these substances.

In a separate embodiment from the previous definition of “synthetic,” the definition of “synthetic” includes the fluid meeting the EPA static sheen requirement, the sediment requirement, the polyaromatic hydrocarbon requirement, and the toxicity requirements.

In one embodiment, wherein the synthetic fluid is a synthetic isoalkane, the synthetic isoalkane acts as a plasticizer, and the synthetic isoalkane is the only plasticizer. It is to be understood that this is merely one embodiment of the invention, however. In another embodiment of the invention, which can be combined with other embodiments, the composition is essentially devoid of hydrocarbons. In one embodiment, the synthetic isoalkane has a saturate percentage greater than 99%.

In another embodiment, the composition consists essentially of a synthetic fluid and a pour point depressant. In another embodiment the composition consists essentially of a synthetic fluid and a binder. In another embodiment the composition consists essentially of a base oil and polyisobutylene.

Although the description above contains much specificity, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. Various other embodiments and ramifications are possible within its scope. For example, several different types of substances rich in polyolefins are available as drop-in replacements to those tested, as well as numerous aliphatic and cyclic organic compositions.

The foregoing detailed description is given primarily for clearness of understanding and no unnecessary limitations are to be understood therefrom, for modification will become obvious to those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure and may be made upon departing from the spirit of the invention and scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, this invention is not intended to be limited by the specific exemplifications presented hereinabove. Rather, what is intended to be covered is within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

The invention has been described with reference to several embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of the specification. It is intended by applicant to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A method for increased adhesion and prevention of pavement cracking by subsurface application of a composition, the method comprising the steps of:

applying the composition as a road pavement base, the composition comprising:

a synthetic fluid; and,

a binder, wherein after curing, the portion of the pavement in contact with the composition maintains flexibility.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the synthetic fluid is synthetic isoalkane, and the synthetic isoalkane is about 50% to about 99.9% by weight of a mixture of the synthetic isoalkane and the binder.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the binder is chosen from the group comprising a carboxylic acid, an ester, and a thermoplastic polyolefin.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the composition further comprises:

a pour point depressant, wherein the pour point depressant is chosen from the group comprising acrylic, acrylic copolymers, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, vinyl acetate olefin copolymers, alkyl esters of styrene-maleic anhydride copolymers, alkyl esters of unsaturated carboxylic acids, polyalkylacrylates, alkyl phenols, alpha olefin copolymers, polymethylacrylate, and polyalkylmethacrylate.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the synthetic fluid meets EPA standards for offshore drilling.

6. A method for increased adhesion and prevention of pavement cracking by subsurface application of a composition, the method comprising the steps of:

applying the composition as a road pavement base, the composition comprising: a synthetic fluid; and,

a pour point depressant, wherein after curing, the portion of the pavement in contact with the composition maintains flexibility.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the synthetic fluid is synthetic isoalkane and the synthetic isoalkane is about 80% to about 95% by weight of a mixture of the synthetic isoalkane and pour point depressant.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein the pour point depressant is chosen from the group comprising acrylic, acrylic copolymers, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, vinyl acetate olefin copolymers, alkyl esters of styrene-maleic anhydride copolymers, alkyl esters of unsaturated carboxylic acids, polyalkylacrylates, alkyl phenols, alpha olefin copolymers, polymethylacrylate, and polyalkylmethacrylate.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the composition further comprises:

a binder, wherein the binder is chosen from the group comprising a carboxylic acid, an ester, and a thermoplastic polyolefin.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the composition further comprises an emulsifier.

11. The method of claim 6, wherein the synthetic fluid meets EPA standards for offshore drilling.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein the composition further comprises a second binder, wherein the second binder is chosen from the group comprising a carboxylic acid, an ester, and a thermoplastic polyolefin.

13-19. (canceled)