With age, bitumen loses its gelling property, which causes the viscosity to increase. In addition molecular weight of bitumen increases, as a result, the material becomes brittle losing its binding property.
The limitation of bitumen and desired properties of a bituminous binder should be considered when selecting polymers for use in polymer bitumen blends. In addition, the following conditions must be met:
Ooms PMB uses a process, identified as “Gellation Technology” for modifying bitumen with polymer. This technology helps in stabilizing the polymer matrix chain into the bitumen phase.
Laying and compaction procedures are not affected when using Ooms PMB binders. Ooms PMB overlays show superior performance during service life as compared to similar overlays with conventional binders. The overlay thickness with Ooms PMB binders can be reduced substantially, depending upon requirements put on overlay design with overall of maintenance 20 to 40% less than when design utilizes conventional products. The polymer modification adopted in Ooms PMB “Gellation Technology” aids in preventing premature thermal cracking, thermal and mechanical fatigue. In addition the aging of Ooms PMB binder will be significantly slower than conventional products. As a result, Ooms PMB binders provide improved overlay design and substantial life cycle cost savings.
Bituminous mixes based on Ooms PMB binders are characterized by: