Abstract: A torchable roll roofing membrane which comprises a reinforcing mat which is saturated and coated with bituminous composition comprising a bituminous component and, optionally, an unhydrogenated block copolymer of a monoalkenyl aromatic hydrocarbon and a conjugated diolefin, and coated onto one surface, a bituminous composition comprising a bituminous component and a hydrogenated block copolymer of a monalkenyl aromatic hydrocarbon and a conjugated diolefin.

Abstract: A process is provided to prepare a composition of bitumen, carbon black, and a block copolymer, the block copolymer being a hydrogenated or unhydrogenated block copolymer comprising, before hydrogenation, at least two blocks which comprise predominantly polymerized monoalkenyl arenes and at least one block which comprises predominantly polymerized conjugated diolefins. The process involves blending of the carbon black with the block copolymer and then combining the carbon black-block copolymer mixture with bitumen. The product of the process of this invention has excellent storage stability and aged tensile strength properties, and has superior weatherability.

Abstract: Powdered coal is upgraded in utility and heat value by removal of ash and pyrite constituents by successively pressure caustic leaching the coal slurry at a temperature of at least about 175.degree. C., hydrochloric acid leaching the caustic leached coal to dissolve ash and pyrite residues not dissolved by the caustic, and pressure leaching the acid leached coal to remove alkali metals and chloride. Vanadium is also removed by the process.

Abstract: A process is provided which produces a waterproof membrane and applies this waterproof membrane directly to a fixed substrate. The process includes the steps of providing a polymeric material; melting the polymeric material; forcing the melted polymeric material through a movable die, the movable die shaping the polymeric material melt into a film; moving the movable die across the fixed substrate; and applying the film directly to the fixed substrate forming a waterproof membrane. The polymeric material is one of those known in the art to be useful as roofing material. In a preferred embodiment, this process produces a sealing membrane which is applied to a roof of a structure forming a membrane effective to protect the structure from intrusion of water. In another aspect, an apparatus is provided which is capable of performing the process of this invention.

Abstract: A composition for use in roll roofing membrane applications which comprise:(a) from about 1 part to about 50 parts per hundred of filler, and(b) from about 50 parts to about 99 parts per hundred of a bituminous composition which is comprised of(1) from about 87 to about 93 parts per hundred of a bituminous component having a penetration of greater than about 125 dmm at 25.degree. C., and(2) from about 7 to about 13 parts per hundred of a hydrogenated block copolymer of a monoalkenyl aromatic hydrocarbon and a conjugated diolefin having a contour arm molecular weight before hydrogenation of from about 80,000 to about 150,000 and a polystyrene content of from about 25% to about 37%.

Abstract: A bituminous composition comprising: (a) a bitumen, (b) a block copolymer of at least one conjugated diolefin and at least one vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon, and (c) a thermoplastic or low crystallinity polymer.