Three new patents to reduce the negative effects of salt on asphalt pavements

Large amounts of de-icing salts in the form of NaCl, CaCl2 and MgCl2 are used every year to remove ice and snow from road surfaces. Recent research clearly shows that the resulting salt solution changes the chemical structure of bitumen, leading to a loss of service properties of road surfaces and consequently a shortening of their service life. In response to these challenges, members of the MSAGroup – Materials/Synthesis/Application – Szymon Malinowski, Agnieszka Woszuk and Wojciech Franus – have developed technologies (P.246208, P.246209, P.246210) aimed to minimise this problem, which have been protected by patents from the Patent Office of Poland and published in Patent Office News No. 53/2024. The application of organic-mineral additives has made it possible to significantly reduce the structural changes in the bitumen binders generated by the use of de-icing salts. This achievement is a huge milestone towards the production of durable road pavements in coastal areas and countries in the temperate climate zone, i.e. Poland. Companies in the road sector have already shown interest in our inventions – talks are currently ongoing to commercialise them.