Abstract: Asphalt binder compositions are formed by combining asphalt with a reclaimed or re-refined oil. The boiling point of the oil may be greater than its flash point. The asphalt may be polymer modified or non-polymer modified. These asphalt binder compositions may be combined with aggregate and/or other matter (e.g., rubber particles) to form cold patch compositions suitable for various applications such as patching potholes, cracks or other defects in roads, driveways, roofs or other paved surfaces.

Abstract: Cationic aqueous emulsions of rubber modified asphalt cement (RMAC) useable for paving, seal coat, slurry seal, roofing, coating and other applications. First, a RMAC is prepared by combining 45 to 90% by weight asphalt with about 5% to about 55% by weight solid recycled rubber (e.g., crumb rubber from used vehicle tires) under conditions that cause at least a substantial portion of the solid rubber to become liquified or otherwise incorporated into the asphalt. The RMAC may be treated with dodecyl benzenesulfonic acid (DDBSA) which causes reaction(s) to occur and results in a lowering of the viscosity of the RMAC. The RMAC (or DDBSA-treated RMAC) may then be emulsified in an aqueous medium to provide an aqueous emulsion.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods of making improved rubber modified asphalt cement compositions, and compositions made by the method, where the compositions are useful in paving, roofing, coating and other sealing applications. In one aspect, the method comprises combining asphalt, RVPR (or a blended mixture of asphalt and RVPR) and at least one dodecyl or tridecylbenzene sulfonic acid (SA), which can be linear (LAS) or branched (BAS), in the presence of moderate heat. After heating the resultant RMAC mixture exhibits at least one of the following: (1) an increase in softening point, (2) an increase in hardness, or (3) improved recovery from deformation. In another aspect, the invention teaches addition of at least one SA to previously manufactured RMAC to accomplish at least one of the following: (1) an increase in softening point, (2) an increase in hardness, or (3) improved recovery from deformation.

Abstract: A compact electrochemical cell utilized for the detection of numerous toxic gases. The cell includes working and counter electrodes, surrounded by a liquid electrolyte, all of which is enclosed behind a gas permeable, hydrophobic membrane. The working electrode may be a single electrode or may be composed of multiple glassy carbon electrodes arranged in a planar electrode array. The counter electrode is either spatially separated from the array or comprises one or more electrodes in the array. The electrolyte composition varies with the type of gas to be detected and can be aqueous, partially aqueous, or substantially non-aqueous. The electrolyte includes an alkali metal halide. A fixed potential applied between the working and counter electrodes is sufficient to initiate electrochemical reactions in the presence of the gas to be detected without interfering reactions of the electrolyte or air.