bitumen

In the US over 90% of roads and over 80% of runways and parking lots are paved with Asphalt.  Percentages are similar in Europe.  Much research is going to improving asphalt aggregates and bitumen, the gooey binder in asphalt.  Some of the historical aggregates and fillers are not well suited to newer bitumen composites such as recycled tires.  However, carbon-based materials have long been used as asphalt filler since they are considered inherently compatible with bitumen.

A number of studies are actively researching the addition of biochar to bitumen with very positive results.  Studies show biochar to:

• Improve the penetration and stiffness of bitumen
• Improve the longevity of road surfaces
• Increase the temperature at which asphalt melts and reduce rutting.

With the push for the asphalt and bitumen industries to become more sustainable and reduce their carbon footprint there is a significant role and opportunity for biochar.

GCS bio-chars are among the highest quality. Under tightly controlled operating conditions, GCS produces bio-chars that are carbon-rich (up to 95% carbon), very low in ash (as low as 1%) and have a high surface area (as high as 625 m2/g). With very high, stable carbon content, GCS bio-chars have the ability to sequester carbon for hundreds of years, if not significantly longer.

Contact us for more information.