Gilsonite asphalt road sealer

gilsonite asphalt sealer

Introduction to Gilsonite in Asphalt

Gilsonite work in high-performance highways to airport runways and heavy-load industrial zones, Gilsonite enhances the durability, stability, and longevity of asphalt pavements.

What Sets Gilsonite Apart in Pavement Engineering

It is acts as a high-strength modifier, blending seamlessly with traditional bitumen. It raises softening points, improves rut resistance, and extends pavement life under intense traffic and harsh weather. It’s a cost-effective alternative to synthetic polymers and additives.

Typical Physical and Technical Specifications

  • Softening Point: 160°C – 220°C
  • Penetration: 0 – 5 dmm (enhances hardness)
  • Flash Point: > 260°C
  • Ash Content: < 5% (asphalt grade)
  • Solubility in TCE or Bitumen: > 99%

These properties make Gilsonite highly compatible with most standard and modified asphalt formulations.

Gilsonite Grades for Asphalt Use

  • Crushed Lumps (0–5 mm): Used in hot mix plants
  • Granules (30–40 mesh): Fast-melting for mobile asphalt systems
  • Micronized Powder (200 mesh): For surface treatments and PMB blends

We offer tailored grades for specific mix designs and climate requirements.

Packaging Formats for Road Construction Projects

  • 25 kg heat-sealed PE bags (ideal for dosing on-site)
  • 1 MT jumbo bags with inner liners for moisture control
  • Bulk shipments for large-scale contractors

All packaging is durable, stackable, and suited for international transport.

Application Areas in Asphalt Mixtures

Gilsonite is used in:

  • Dense-Graded Asphalt Concrete (DGAC)
  • Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA)
  • Open-Graded Friction Course (OGFC)
  • Modified Bitumen Blends (PMB)
  • Crack-sealing compounds and binders

Ideal for highways, urban roads, airstrips, ports, bridges, and racetracks.

How to Mix Gilsonite with Asphalt

  1. Preheat Bitumen: Maintain 160–180°C.
  2. Add Gilsonite: Slowly mix in powder or granules.
  3. Blend Uniformly: Mix for 30–60 minutes for complete homogenization.
  4. Adjust Viscosity: Based on required flow and temperature specs.

For PMB, blend with SBS or EVA polymers for enhanced performance.

Performance Improvements in Asphalt Mixes

  • Improved Rut Resistance
  • Increased Softening Point
  • Reduced Temperature Susceptibility
  • Stronger Adhesion to Aggregate
  • Better Resistance to Aging, Oxidation, and Stripping

It significantly reduces the need for frequent maintenance and extends pavement service life.

Comparing Gilsonite with Other Asphalt Modifiers

Property

Gilsonite

SBS Polymer

Rubber Crumb

Natural Origin

Yes

No

Yes

Blend Compatibility

High

Medium

Medium

Modifies Binder & Mix

Yes

Yes

Partially

Requires Pre-treatment

No

Yes

Yes

Aging Resistance

High

High

Medium

The Gilsonite offers a unique mix of natural resilience, affordability, and ease of use.

Compatibility with PMB and Bitumen Blends

Gilsonite is often blended with SBS, EVA, or APP to create high-end Polymer Modified Bitumen. It enhances thermal stability, reduces oxidative aging, and improves cohesion across all temperature ranges.

Storage, Transport & Shelf Life

  • Shelf Life: 2–3 years in dry conditions
  • Storage Conditions: Cool, dry, shaded
  • Avoid: Moisture and direct sunlight
  • Transport: Can be containerized or shipped in bulk by land or sea

Safety Measures During Handling

  • Avoid dust inhalation—use masks
  • Prevent skin and eye contact
  • Ensure good ventilation in mixing areas
  • Follow local safety regulations

Gilsonite is not classified as dangerous, but proper handling ensures operational safety.

Environmental Impact of Gilsonite in Asphalt

Unlike synthetic modifiers, Gilsonite is naturally sourced and does not contain harmful residues. It contributes to lower life cycle emissions and enhances the recyclability of asphalt pavements.

Our International Supply & Logistics Network

We ship from:

  • Jebel Ali, UAE
  • Mersin, Turkey
  • Bandar Abbas, Iran

Our supply chain supports both large-scale infrastructure projects and regular batch requirements across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

Why Leading Contractors Trust Our Gilsonite

  • Consistent Quality
  • Custom Grade Formulations
  • On-Time Global Delivery
  • Technical Support for Mix Design
  • Flexible Packaging & Logistics

We don’t just deliver material—we deliver reliability and results.

Conclusion

Gilsonite has redefined performance in asphalt construction. Whether you’re building a mega highway or a local city road, this natural modifier provides a cost-effective, eco-friendly solution that boosts quality and life expectancy. Trust a proven supplier to meet your asphalt enhancement needs with speed and precision.

FAQs

  1. Can Gilsonite be used in cold mix asphalt?
    Yes, though its primary effectiveness is in hot-mix applications.
  2. How much Gilsonite is needed per ton of asphalt?
    Typically 5%–15% by weight of the binder, depending on mix design.
  3. Does Gilsonite affect asphalt recyclability?
    Not negatively—Gilsonite-modified asphalt is easily recyclable.
  4. Is Gilsonite suitable for extreme climates?
    Absolutely. It performs well in both freezing and tropical conditions.
  5. Can Gilsonite be combined with polymers?
    Yes. It’s compatible with SBS, APP, and EVA for high-performance PMB blends.