DANOX RAP-400 is a new asphalt recycling agent designed to to rejuvenate reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) used in perpetually recycled pavement materials. DANOX RAP-400 can also improve the durability of asphalt pavement containing high levels of RAP, while reducing the environmental impact using plant-derived raw materials, says the manufacturer. Road asphalt pavements deteriorate over time, necessitating periodic repairs. Every year, approximately 20 million tons of RAP is generated, much of which is recycled into new pavement. When reusing RAP, asphalt recycling agents and virgin asphalt are added to restore the properties of the aged asphalt.
Source: Kao
However, repeated recycling compounds the acceleration and aging of the pavement materials. Even with asphalt recycling agents, restoring the asphalt to its original properties becomes increasingly difficult. In addition, a growing demand for resource circularity is driving the increased use of RAP in pavements, creating a need for new recycling technologies capable of effectively restoring aged pavement materials over the life of the pavement. As asphalt in RAP ages due to weathering and in particular UV exposure over time, it causes the components to become harder and more brittle. This makes it increasingly difficult to restore the asphalt to properties close to those of the original material, posing challenges for repeated recycling. DANOX RAP-400 disassociates and disperses these aggregated components, improving the workability of recycled asphalt materials and enabling continued reuse of RAP. The use of aged RAP can increase the risk of cracking and potholes, posing challenges for long-term pavement durability. DANOX RAP-400 has been shown to improve both water resistance and crack resistance. Asphalt pavement consists of asphalt and aggregates such as stone and sand, and DANOX RAP-400 enhances adhesion between these components, helping to suppress cracking by reducing water penetration. Many existing asphalt recycling agents use petroleum-derived materials. However, given demand for low-carbon materials in the road sector, this product uses plant-derived material as its primary raw material. RAP is currently reused by mixing it with virgin asphalt. Because DANOX RAP-400 is highly effective in restoring aged RAP, it enables a higher RAP content in pavement mixtures. Kao will continue advancing technologies aimed at enabling pavement made with 100% recycled asphalt materials. DANOX RAP-400 has already been adopted by several Japanese construction companies. — Kao Corp., Tokyo, Japan