Double cracking as a promising production method non-oxidized bitumen for road construction

The paper presents a comprehensive study of an innovative technology for producing unoxidised bitumen based on the double cracking (2K) method of petroleum residues (tar, fuel oil). The authors compare 2K bitumen with oxidised bitumen of the BND grade (GOST 33133–2014). A detailed analysis of the molecular structure of traditional and modified bitumens revealed the instability of the latter, where polymer additives only temporarily support the natural structure. Unlike traditional bitumens, unoxidised bitumen obtained by double cracking is characterised by an optimal ratio of asphaltenes and maltenes. This determines its operational properties, which are valuable for road construction. The paper describes in detail the stages of the double cracking process and presents the material balance. The authors also formulated requirements for the quality of unoxidised bitumen for road construction. A significant socio-economic effect is achieved by increasing the durability of road surfaces and reducing the costs of their maintenance.