NIHAL PANDRAPRAGADA
FEATURE
Additives:
Revolutionizing Sealcoating Performance
NIHAL PANDRAPRAGADA
S imply defined, additives are specialty chemicals used to enhance the performance of sealcoatings. By analogy, additives are the“ flavors and spices” of a sealer. These products are specifically designed by material suppliers to boost performance in sealers based on refined tar, asphalt, and petroleum-based resins.
Today, sealcoating professionals are very familiar with these additives. Their use allows contractors to apply sealcoatings even under less-than-ideal conditions— achieving not only optimal performance, but often exceeding it. Through this article, we aim to provide detailed information about these additives and offer guidance on selecting and using the right products. Sealcoating additives have been in use since the 1960s. Additives based on specialty latex and rubber polymers have been part of FAA specifications since the early 1970s. Since then, the technology has advanced significantly, offering improved efficiency and performance. In terms of how additives work, polymer particles fuse with resin particles in the sealcoating as it dries, tightening the network within the film. This improves the overall performance of the cured film and produces a more uniform dry color. Conversely, any weakness in the polymer( additive) can introduce weak links in the sealer and lead to premature failure.
Types of Additives
Depending on job requirements and desired results, the right additive— or combination of additives— should be selected. Based on performance outcomes, additives can be categorized as follows:
1. Performance Boosting Sealcoatings modified with properly selected additives show improved:
• Resistance to chemicals, deicing salts, oil, jet fuel, etc.
• Resistance to water and weather elements( UV exposure, etc.)
• Toughness, flexibility, and elongation
• Thermal stability 2. Fast-Drying Additives These additives accelerate drying time— even under less-thanideal weather conditions— reducing labor costs and allowing surfaces to reopen to traffic sooner. 3. Low-Temperature Curing Additives Specifically designed to enable proper curing and drying at lower temperatures( such as the low 40s ° F). These should not be confused with fast-drying additives. 4. Adhesion-Promoting Additives Designed to improve bonding on challenging surfaces, such as those with smooth or polished aggregates. 5. Uniform Dry Color Additives Help ensure consistent drying across sun and shade conditions, resulting in a uniform finished appearance. 6. Thickening Additives Used to suspend larger amounts of sand or compensate for over-diluted sealer mixes. While effective for viscosity, they contribute little to performance and can introduce permanent water sensitivity. Use with caution.
Types Based on Composition
Most additives are manufactured using polymers and specialty
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