Mikhil Ranka, Zydex Industries
SPEAKER PRESENTATION
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This research uses laboratory experiments and molecular modelling to represent the optimum dosage and conditions at which a specific organosilane modifier (called OS1 in this work) enhances the resistance to moisture at the bitumen-aggregate interface. The OS1 forms a coating layer on stone aggregates and bridges between the aggregates and bitumen molecules.
Moisture-induced shear-thinning index (MISTI) measurement found the best moisture resistance for a sample with an optimum dosage of 0.6% OS1 on highly susceptible acid rich binders. The performance of the optimum OS1-modified bitumen was not reduced after being exposed to short-term and long-term aging, indicating low susceptibility to thermal and oxidative degradation. MISTI testing clearly demonstrates the moisture resistance that OS1 can provide to tack coats and make them impermeable to moisture induced delamination.
 Keywords: organosilane, durability, moisture damage, adhesion, bitumen, aged bitumen, tack coat, silica surface.
About the Author
Mikhil Ranka, Ph.D., is a Director for Zydex Industries and is responsible for new technology development and R&D in the area of polymers, emulsifiers, and colloidal systems. Mikhil received his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, with an emphasis in polymer chemistry, from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, USA.
