Colorbiotics launches Invigorate Rejuvenator to extend Asphalt service life
Colorbiotics, an industry leader in colorants, coatings and equipment, has launched Invigorate™ rejuvenator to increase the use of recycled asphalt and extend asphalt service life.
Colorbiotics has long served landscaping and sports/recreation industries, and was part of the former BASF Construction Chemicals business.
Now, Colorbiotics and other former BASF brands make up MBCC Group, a leading supplier of construction chemicals and solutions worldwide, offering sustainable products for different construction industry sectors. So, Colorbiotics’ move into asphalt is a natural progression.
Invigorate rejuvenator is a new soybean oil-derived additive that triggers chemical reactions inside recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) and stiff binders to break down asphaltene aggregation and reverse the effects of oxidation in the final mix.
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. This new technology, developed at Iowa State University, improves recyclability of asphalt while still meeting PG and performance-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,” said Dan Staebell, Colorbiotics asphalt business development manager. “That obviously has environmental and economic benefits.”
The safety-tested and patented Invigorate additive benefits are reaching 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,” Staebell said. “That is certainly important for big climate swings in our northern states and fatigue resistance in southern states.”
