Method of sealing joints in road surfaces and subsurfaces

Abstract

A method of sealing and strengthening the joints in an asphalt road surface and subsurface to prolong the useful life of the road utilizes a polymer modified cationic maltene emulsion containing polymer modified maltene oils and resins, and surfactants/and wetting agents. The emulsion is applied to the longitudinal joints and other joints in the asphalt pavement surface. The emulsion reduces voids in the asphalt pavement and chemically improves the asphalt binder properties, thereby altering the modulus of elasticity of the asphalt binders so that the resistance of the pavement to tension is increased, and the water absorption of the pavement is reduced.

1 . A method of sealing joints in an asphalt pavement surface comprising the following steps:
 (a) preparing an emulsion that combines with at least one binder in asphalt pavement to create a rubberized sealant,   (b) applying said emulsion to a joint in an asphalt surface, and   (c) allowing said emulsion to dry, thereby sealing and strengthening the joint in the asphalt pavement surface.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein:
 said emulsion comprises at least one polymer modified maltene oil, at least one polymer modified maltene resin, and at least one surfactant/wetting agent.   
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein:
 said emulsion is applied with a sprayer.