The present invention relates to relates to a method of producing an improved asphalt. This method includes providing an asphalt binder and providing a compound of formula (I):

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as described herein. The asphalt binder is mixed with the compound of formula (I) under conditions effective to produce an improved asphalt. Also disclosed are an asphalt product and a method of making asphalt material.

The present invention relates to a method of producing an improved asphalt. The method involves providing an asphalt and providing a compound of formula (I), as described herein. The asphalt is mixed with the compound of formula (I) under conditions effective to produce an improved asphalt. Also disclosed are an asphalt product and a method of making asphalt material. The invention further discloses a method of producing an improved asphalt comprising providing a polymer modified asphalt and providing a compound of formula (IIa) or formula (II). The polymer modified asphalt is mixed with the compound of formula (IIa) or formula (IIb) under conditions effective to produce an improved asphalt, which is yet another aspect of the present invention. ##STR00001##

The present invention relates to an asphalt product that comprises an asphalt component and a plurality of pellets comprising a mixture of a ground tire rubber and an elastomeric polymer, where the density difference between the asphalt component and the plurality of pellets is less than 10%. The present invention further relates to a pellet comprising a ground tire rubber (GTR) and an elastomeric polymer mixed with the GTR, where the GTR has a density of less than 1.12 g/cm.sup.3. Also disclosed are methods of producing improved asphalt and paving a surface.

Described herein is a polymerized biorenewable, previously modified, or functionalized oil, comprising a polymeric distribution having about 2 to about 80 wt % oligomer content, a polydispersity index ranging from about 1.30 to about 2.20, and sulfur content ranging from 0.001 wt % to about 8 wt %. Methods of manufacturing the polymerized oil as well as its incorporation into asphalt paving, roofing, and coating applications are also described.

Described herein is a polymerized biorenewable, previously modified, or functionalized oil, comprising a polymeric distribution having about 2 to 80 wt % oligomer content, a polydispersity index ranging from about 1.30 to about 2.20, and sulfur content ranging from 0.001 wt % to about 8 wt %. Methods of manufacturing the polymerized oil as well as its incorporation into asphalt paving, roofing, and coating applications are also described.

Disclosed herein are rejuvenating compositions for asphalt applications. In one aspect, the rejuvenating composition comprises a polymerized oil having a polymeric distribution ranging from about 2 to about 80 wt % oligomer content and Hildebrand solubility ranging from about 6 to about 12. In another aspect, the rejuvenating composition comprises an oil having a Hildebrand solubility ranging from about 6 to about 12 and a flash point ranging from about 100 C. to about 400 C. In yet another aspect, the rejuvenating composition comprises a modified oil having a Hildebrand solubility ranging from about 6 to about 12 and a flash point ranging from about 100 C. to about 400 C.

A bitumen granules including a core and a coating layer, in which the core includes at least one bitumen base, and the coating layer includes at least: one oil selected from a hydrocarbon oil of petroleum or synthetic origin; and at least one organogelator compound selected from among compounds of general formula (I), (II) or (V). The invention also relates to a method for producing bitumen granules, as well as to the use thereof as an asphalt binder, in particular for producing mixes. The invention further relates to a method for producing mixes from bitumen granules and also to a method for transporting and/or storing and/or handling bitumen granules.

A polymer modified asphalt (PMA) includes a modifier material mixed with hot asphalt to form a modified asphalt mixture and in which a gelatinous carrier material is mixed with an acidic activator material and a curing agent to form a solid crosslinking agent. The solid crosslinking agent is mixed with the modified asphalt mixture to produce a modified asphalt material having improved rheological characteristics which prevents gel and lump formation in PMA.

Bitumen pellets including a core and a coating layer, in which: the core includes at least one bitumen base, and the coating layer includes at least one fumed silica compound. Process for manufacturing bitumen pellets and also their use as road binder, in particular for the manufacture of bitumen mixes. Process for manufacturing bitumen mixes from bitumen pellets and also a process for transporting and/or storing and/or handling bitumen pellets.

A bituminous composition that makes it possible to manufacture high modulus mixes; a high modulus bituminous mix and to the use of these mixes in the preparation of road pavements, in particular in the preparation of base layers or foundation layers for road pavements. A process for transporting and/or storing and/or handling this bituminous composition that is solid at ambient temperature and is in divided form.