How polymer-modified bitumen improves pavement performance

Polymer Modified Bitumen (PMB) is a high-performance binder that significantly enhances the durability and lifespan of road pavements by incorporating polymers into the bitumen.

Here’s how it improves performance:

• Reduces Rutting: At high temperatures, standard bitumen softens, leading to permanent depressions (ruts) under heavy traffic. Polymers increase the stiffness and elastic recovery of the bitumen, making the pavement resistant to rutting.
• Prevents Thermal Cracking: In cold climates, bitumen becomes brittle and can crack.Polymers, especially SBS, impart greater elasticity, allowing the pavement to flex without cracking under low temperatures.
• Enhances Durability and Fatigue Life: PMB improves the pavement's resistance to fatigue from the millions of repeated load applications over its lifespan, preventing structural failure.
• Improves Water Resistance: The polymers enhance the adhesion between the bitumen binder and the stone aggregates, making the road less susceptible to damage and stripping caused by water ingress.