Traditional asphalt production poses a significant sustainability challenge due to its reliance on high temperatures that can exceed 320°F. Elevated temperatures may also require substantial fuel consumption, which can lead to higher GHG emissions.
Arkema’s WarmGrip® Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) additives address these challenges through advanced surfactant chemistry that enables asphalt production and paving at temperatures that are 45–60°F lower than conventional Hot Mix Asphalt. Using advanced surfactant chemistry, these asphalt additives help improve how asphalt binders and aggregates adhere together, helping the mix coat and compact properly, even at reduced temperatures. This process reduces fuel use and CO₂ emissions at asphalt plants, as well as helping to minimize smoke and vapor generation at paving sites, improving both environmental outcomes and worker health and safety.
Arkema’s asphalt additives contribute to improved pavement performance and longevity by improving how well the liquid asphalt binder sticks to the stone materials in the mix. This stronger bond helps keep water from seeping into roads and highways and causing damage like cracks or potholes. As a result, roads can handle heavy traffic and changing weather conditions.
The technology also supports increased use of reclaimed asphalt pavement, a key component of circular construction practices. By improving the workability of stiffer, recycled materials, the technology enables higher RAP content in asphalt mixes, lowering lifecycle carbon intensity and delivering cost efficiencies.
Lower‑temperature asphalt production demonstrates how molecular-level innovations in asphalt chemistry can help reduce energy intensity, improve air quality, and support more sustainable infrastructure development without compromising performance.