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Maltene-Based Rejuvenators Restore Flexibility, Quell Oxidation Effects

Asphalt rejuvenators are petroleum-derived additives and modifiers that aim to revitalize, provide sealing, and restore the physical and chemical properties of aged asphalt.

In recent years, there has been increased confusion in defining what it means to “rejuvenate” asphalt pavements. A scientific understanding of asphalt chemistry, especially maltenes and the role they play in rehabilitating and extending the life of asphalt roadways, is critical.

It’s known that asphalt pavement deterioration is directly tied to the depletion of asphalt binder content due to the high temperature of manufacturing and subsequent in-service oxidative reduction. For decades, the natural rehabilitative chemistry commonly described as Maltene Replacement Technology (MRT) has been the only proven method for sustainable restoration of both the physical and chemical properties of asphalt pavements. In recent years, alternate methods to chemical restoration have developed that take a different approach from “in-kind” maltene replacement. This article reviews these different approaches.

"For optimal restoration of the aged asphalt binder, consideration should be given to the chemical composition of the rejuvenator rather than just its capacity to reduce the viscosity of the aged binder." The NCAT study confirmed that of products currently promoted as asphalt rejuvenators, the maltene replacement products replenish depleted maltene content, while the bio-based compounds dissolve the aged binder's remaining maltenes. Hence, they are two very different chemical outcomes.

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