I. Characteristics of Modified Asphalt

1. High-temperature stability
2. Modified asphalt has a higher softening point (usually between 100-115℃), which maintains stability in high-temperature environments and is not prone to softening or flowing.
3. High coking value
4. The coking value reflects the ability of asphalt to form coke at high temperatures. The modified asphalt has a higher coking value, which is beneficial for enhancing the mechanical strength and electrical conductivity of carbon products.
5. Strong adhesive properties
6. The modified asphalt contains a high β-resin content (≥18%), offering excellent bonding properties and enhancing the internal bonding strength of carbon products.
7. Chemical Stability
8. Low impurity content in modified asphalt, good chemical stability, reduces volatilization and decomposition at high temperatures, extending service life.

2. Modified Asphalt Production Process

The production of modified asphalt primarily involves the following two methods:

1. Thermal Agglomeration
2. Produced from medium-temperature asphalt, this process involves continuous heating in a reactor to release small molecular gases. The remaining liquid in the reactor is the upgraded asphalt. The method is simple in its process, but the product performance is relatively low.
3. Heavy residue upgrading and refining integrated process method
4. The dehydrated tar is pressurized (0.5-2 MPa) in the reactor and heated to 320-370°C, maintaining the temperature for 5-20 hours to cause the heavy oil fractions and low-boiling, unstable components in the tar to polymerize, resulting in high-quality modified asphalt. This method yields a higher productivity and superior product quality.

Section 3: Applications of Modified Asphalt

1. Carbon Industry

• Graphite electrodes: Used in arc furnaces for industries such as aluminum electrolysis, serving as the binder for electrodes.
• Pre-baked anode: Used in the aluminum electrolysis industry as a binder and impregnating agent for the anode.
• High-power electrode rod: Used for electric furnace steelmaking to enhance the power and efficiency of the electric furnace.
• Carbon bricks: Used as lining for equipment such as blast furnaces and electric furnaces to enhance high-temperature resistance.

1. Road Construction

• Modified Asphalt: By adding modifiers (such as SBS, rubber, etc.) to the base asphalt, enhances the asphalt's resistance to rutting, aging, and low-temperature cracking, thereby extending the service life of roads.

1. Waterproof materials

• Waterproof Membrane: Used for waterproofing projects such as roofs, basements, tunnels, etc., offering superior waterproofing performance.

1. Industrial Corrosion Protection

• Corrosion-Resistant Coatings: Used for equipment anti-corrosion in the petrochemical, electric power, and water conservancy industries, extending the service life of the equipment.

1. Fuel Oil

• High-calorie fuel: Refined asphalt can be used as fuel oil, suitable for various combustion equipment.

IV. Advantages of Modified Asphalt

1. Enhance product quality
2. The high-temperature stability and adhesiveness of modified asphalt can significantly enhance the mechanical strength, conductivity, and corrosion resistance of carbon products.
3. Reduce production costs
4. Utilizing modified asphalt can reduce smoke emissions during the production process, decrease environmental pollution, and simultaneously enhance the yield of finished products.
5. Extend service life
6. The superior properties of modified asphalt significantly extend the service life of carbon products, roads, and waterproofing materials, reducing maintenance and replacement frequency.
7. Excellent environmental performance
8. Re-refined asphalt, through optimized production processes, reduces harmful emissions, meeting environmental protection requirements.

V. Trends in Modified Asphalt Development

1. Technological Innovation
2. With technological advancements, the production process of modified asphalt will continually be optimized, and the product quality will be further enhanced.
3. Application Expansion
4. Modified asphalt will continuously expand its applications in new energy and new material fields, meeting more industrial demands.
5. Environmental requirements are heightened
6. Future production of upgraded asphalt will place greater emphasis on environmental protection and reduce its impact on the environment.
7. Market demand is increasing.
8. With the rapid development of industries such as electrolytic aluminum, steel, and road construction, the market demand for modified asphalt will continue to grow.