With Mariani Polymer Modified Asphalt (PMA) cements, as with all Mariani products, you are assured of quality materials on spec, on time, and guaranteed.

Mariani PMAs are made with carefully selected polymers, finely dispersed into the asphalt cement using advanced high-shear technology. We make sure that the proper chemistry will cross-link the polymer and asphalt cement, and that adequate cure time and precise temperature control assure a homogeneous PMA. Finally, every production run is tested for compliance with federal Department of Transportation specifications.

Mariani PMAs, like PG 76-22 or PG 82-22, will not suffer phase separation between polymer and asphalt. Unlike poor quality PMA or crumb rubber asphalts, Mariani PMA will not segregate in the tank, clog pumps and lines, or worse yet, suffer the liability of a job mix failure due to poor quality binder.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PMA

In the mid 1990s, the Strategic Highway Research Program, funded by the US government, developed a third generation of specification to grade petroleum asphalt. The first and second generations (penetration grading and viscosity grading) measured empirical properties of asphalt. The new generation of grading asphalts is called performance grading (PG). PG asphalts are matched with aggregates to form a "superpave" structure to meet various levels of traffic stresses. Certain grades of asphalt, such as PG 64-22 and PG 67-22, can be "straight run" distillations of asphaltic crudes. The higher performance materials, such as PG 76-22, require the addition of a carefully formulated polymer in a precise manufacturing process to achieve the added strength and elasticity requirements—thus the term, "polymer modified asphalt" (PMA).

WHY PMA?

Increasing tire pressures, maximum load weights, and traffic counts increase the stresses placed on our pavements. Matching high performance asphalt binders with an improved aggregate system generates "superpave mixes" that resist fatigue cracking, thermal cracking, and rutting more effectively.

HOW IS PMA MANUFACTURED?

The production of quality PMA to meet Florida DOT specifications is more complex than many people realize. First, SB or SBS polymers must be finely dispersed into the asphalt cement using a high-shear milling device to achieve elastic properties. Then a chemical is uniformly dispersed into the polymer-asphalt mixture to cross-link the polymer and asphalt. After an appropriate curing time and when performed correctly, the polymer actually dissolves uniformly into the asphalt, resulting in a homogeneous PMA.

EZ MIX 76

Typical Uses: EZ MIX 76 is a high performance polymer modified PG76-22 asphalt cement for hot mix asphaltic concrete production in hot mix plants. It can be incorporated into any appropriate mix design where PG76-22 performance graded binder is specified or where there is a demand for increased resistance to rutting or cracking of the asphalt hot mix placed.

Characteristics: EZ MIX 76 is produced using a high shear milling device to finely disperse "SB" or "SBS" polymers into the asphalt cement to achieve enhanced elastic properties. A catalyst is then uniformly dispersed into the polymer-asphalt mixture to "crosslink" the polymer and asphalt. The polymer actually dissolves uniformly into the asphalt, after an appropriate cure time, resulting in a homogenous solution of polymer modified asphalt that is no longer a mixture. This solution will not settle, ball up, clog pumps or create other problems in your hot mix production. Typical storage temperature would be at or about 350 F. An agitated storage tank is good but not required. If a "static" tank is used for storage it is advisable to recirculate product for 15 to 30 minutes before start of production shift. Unlike some other modified AC products EZ MIX 76 has an excellent shelf life and can be cooled down, heated back up, re-circulated and used, with no adverse effects, if longer term storage becomes necessary.

Typical Application: EZ MIX 76 is used wherever PG76-22 asphalt cement is specified by the governing agency. It may also be used as an agreed upon option in appropriately designed asphalt mixes to increase life and provide extra resistance to rutting and or fatigue or thermal cracking, wherever that may be a concern. Typical mixture production temperatures are generally found to be in the 325° to 335° F range, but may vary based on specific mix design, application and haul distance, etc. Generally, it is good practice to initialize compaction of the mix in the field with the mix in the 310° to 320° F temperature range, and this may also vary with the particular mix being produced and placed. Initial compaction temperatures less than this may detract from achieving full densification of the mix. Other than the slightly escalated temperatures listed here for storage and production and the recirculation advised if using a static tank for storage, the EZ MIX 76 product allows you to perform your production and placement of high quality hot mix in the normal manner to which you are accustomed.

Test/Specifications: Meets and or Exceeds FDOT section 916-1 for Asphalt Cement PG76-22.

Caution: Remove from skin promptly. Keep out of reach of children. Use with adequate ventilation. Read label warnings and MSDS before using. Do not take internally. Avoid prolonged contact with skin and breathing of vapor or spray mist. Flush skin with water immediately. In case of contact with eyes, flush with water for 15 minutes and get medical attention.