Kraton Polymers LLC

Kraton Corporation

Erica Jellema

Robert Q Kluttz

Sebastian Puchalski

Carl Lesley Willis

Donn A DuBois

Donn Anthony Dubois

Christopher Matthew Lubbers

Rombout Hartemink

Christopher M Lubbers

Disclosed herein are linear block copolymers of formula A-B-A' or A-B*B-A&#x2032;, wherein blocks A and A&#x2032; are polystyrene blocks, block B is a poly(conjugated diene) block and * is a coupling agent having a vinyl content of from 10-60 mol %. The block copolymers have a polystyrene content of from 20-35 wt. %, relative to the overall weight of the block copolymer, and a molecular weight of from 200,000-300,000 g/mol. The block copolymers can be used with a wide variety of asphalt grades, and are valuable for producing homogeneous polymer modified asphalt compositions having an effective combination of performance properties, such as acceptable viscosity, good elastic response to an applied stress, and a low non-recoverable creep compliance. The combination of vinyl content and polymerization technology allows a high solution concentration during polymerization without excessive processing viscosity.

Block copolymers and polymer modified bitumen therefrom

A coupled block copolymer composition with a combination of high viscosity at manufacturing, finishing and handling conditions, low viscosity at asphalt blending conditions and suitable viscosity stability is provided for use in asphalt compositions. The composition comprises: (i) a diblock copolymer, (ii) at least a linear triblock copolymer having a peak molecular weight that is 1.5 to 3.0 times the peak molecular weight of the diblock copolymer, and (iii) at least a multiarm coupled block copolymer having a peak molecular weight that is 1.5 to 9.0 times the peak molecular weight of the diblock copolymer, and mixtures thereof. The block copolymer composition is characterized as having a melt viscosity at 110&#xb0; C. or less of greater than 2.0E7 Poise and a coupling efficiency after 24 hours at 180&#xb0; C. is less than 25%.

Asphalt compositions and methods of making same

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Amsterdam, Netherlands

Erica Jellema