Photo provided by Colorbiotics.
Ames, Iowa-based Colorbiotics has entered the asphalt market by introducing its Invigorate “rejuvenator,” which it calls an environmentally friendly additive that can increase recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) use and longevity.
The company, which makes colorants, coatings and equipment, including some for mulch enhancement, describes Invigorate as “a new soybean oil-derived additive that triggers chemical reactions inside RAP and stiff binders to break down asphaltene aggregation and reverse the effects of oxidation in the final mix.”
Colorbiotics says the new technology was developed in cooperation with Iowa State University, which also is in Ames. “While other rejuvenators offer a superficial change to the viscosity of the binder, the Invigorate additive improves the chemical properties of lower-quality binders, addressing aged elements within RAP,” states the company. Thus, adds Colorbiotics, Invigorate improves the recyclability of asphalt while still meeting performance grading and testing specifications.
“With Invigorate rejuvenator, we have been able to meet specifications and increase usable RAP material to as much as 50%, well beyond the standard 20 to 25% used today,” says Dan Staebell, Colorbiotics asphalt business development manager. “That obviously has environmental and economic benefits.”
Calling Invigorate both safety-tested and patented, Colorbiotics says the additive’s benefits reach beyond initial production and construction.
“We have identified that when using high percentages of RAP, Invigorate rejuvenator makes the asphalt more flexible while maintaining its durability and rut resistance,” says Staebell. “That is certainly important for big climate swings in our northern states and fatigue resistance in southern states.”
Colorbiotics was part of the former BASF Construction Chemicals business. It has now joined other former BASF brands that together make up the Germany-based MBCC Group, which has its United States headquarters in Cleveland.