Abstract: Methods for making the stable dispersion of lignin components of black liquor in bitumen. Representative methods comprising converting an aqueous colloidal dispersion of lignin in spent pulping liquor to an anhydrous colloidal dispersion of lignin in a lubricating oil by mixing a lubricating oil with the spent pulping liquor, and dewatering the mixture so formed at an elevated temperature to form a cream-like paste compatible with bitumen, and mixing said anhydrous colloidal dispersion of lignin with bitumen.

Abstract: Roofing membranes are provided with both high stiffness at high temperature (greater than 110 ° C.) and good flexibility at low temperature (less than −20 ° C.). Bituminous compositions may be more effectively used in such membranes at lower elastomer concentration than currently practiced, using conventional cross-linking reagents to prepare the modified bituminous compositions with a range of viscosities that are readily processed as compared with conventional non-cross-linked systems.

Abstract: A stable dispersion of polyethylene and other polyolefins in a continuous bituminous phase is provided by dissolving macromolecular material into the bitumen to create a potential energy barrier to coalescence and flocculation of the polymer dispersion.

Abstract: Polymer modified bituminous compositions which are stable against phase separation are provided at greater levels of incorporation of elastomeric polymer having a conjugated diene structure, such as styrene-butadiene rubbers, and/or cross-linking agent, specifically sulfur, by incremental addition of elastomeric polymer and/or cross-linking agent into the bitumen at elevated temperatures of about 150° to about 220° C.

Abstract: Polymer modified bituminous compositions which are stable against phase separation are provided at greater levels of incorporation of elastomeric polymer having a conjugated diene structure, such as styrene-butadiene rubbers, and/or cross-linking agent, specifically sulfur, by incremental addition of elastomeric polymer and/or cross-linking agent into the bitumen at elevated temperatures of about 150° to about 220° C.

Abstract: Normally incompatible styrenic polymers are stably incorporated into bitumen by using an elastomeric triblock copolymer comprising polystyrene segments which is solubilized or compatibilized in the bituminous phase. The elastomeric triblock copolymer incorporated into the continuous bituminous phase provides polystyrene domains which are dispersed throughout the bitumen or a receiving unit which stabilize the particulate polystyrene against separation from the bitumen.

Abstract: Two or more different polymeric materials are stably incorporated into bitumen by effecting steric stabilization of a polyolefin, such as polyethylene, and by dispersing the other polymer, such as a styrene-butadiene-styrene copolymer, an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer or an EPDM copolymer in the stabilized polyethylene-bitumen composition. The ability to incorporate different polymeric materials in bitumen permits desirable modifications to the properties of the composition to be effected. In addition, different properties can be attained by modifying processing parameters.

Abstract: Stable rubberized bitumen concentrates are prepared by initially forming a mass comprising bitumen and crumb rubber particles in an amount of at least about 15 wt % of the mass with the crumb rubber being swollen in-situ, and applying shear and temperature conditions to the mass to dissociate the vulcanizate network of the rubber particles and to incorporate the digested vulcanizate into the bitumen. The stable rubberized bitumen concentrate is stable against sedimentation of rubber particles both following storage of the concentrate at about 320.degree. F. for 48 hours and dilution to a lower concentration in the ASTM solubility test.

Abstract: The present invention provides a procedure for at least partial dissociation of crumb rubber vulcanate network, including automobile tires, and for the incorporation of this treated rubber into stable bitumen compositions. The at least partially dissociated rubber vulcanate network may be used independently as a bitumen modifier, or a stabilizing agent for ground vulcanate rubber dispersions in bitumen or as a steric stabilizer in dispersion of polyolefins in bitumen. The at least partially dissociated rubber vulcanate network materials are produced in situ in bitumen or produced separately and subsequently incorporated into bitumen and the bituminous compositions are useful materials for a variety of applications. Modifications are possible within the scope of this invention.

Abstract: Insoluble particulate materials, which may be in solid or liquid form, are dispersed in a continuous non-aqueous phase and the dispersion rendered stable and resistant to phase separation by an in-situ stabilization procedure involving the formation of chemical bonds among the stabilizer components and to dispersed phases to form a network surrounding the particles which is compatible with the continuous phase. The invention has particular application for the formation of stabilized polyolefin-modified bitumen compositions for paving and other applications.