DuPont Home
DuPont(tm) Elvaloy(r) RET
Asphalt Modifier Home
What It Is
How It Works
Where It Works
Technical References
Rutting Studies
Cracking Studies
Stripping Studies
Sales & Support
For Terminals / Producers
For Engineers / Specifiers
For Contractors
Contact Us
Print This Page

Compared with SBS, DuPont™ Elvaloy® RET Offers Performance and Productivity Advantages

Compare Rutting Studies 
Download technical research papers and expert presentations showing how RET outlasts SBS in rut resistance.
Extensive test data is available from government agencies, asphalt materials experts and universities, showing Elvaloy® RET to be at least equal, but in most cases superior in performance to SBS-modified asphalt meeting a similar specification grade.

Slower pavement deformation and reduced damage from moisture and temperature extremes, are among the reasons why a well-designed asphalt paving mix made with RET-modified binder can deliver a longer-lasting return on the owners' investment in infrastructure.

Compare the Polymers

Differences between RET and SBS begin with basic polymer chemistry and handling properties.

Reactive Elastomeric Terpolymer (RET) Styrene Butadiene Styrene (SBS)
  • Specifically engineered by DuPont for asphalt modification.
  • Storage-stable, since Elvaloy® RET chemically links with the asphalt.
  • Rail car or barge shipments are possible with Elvaloy® RET.
  • PMA can be winter-filled and stored for reheating and use later.
  • Gentle mixing is all that is needed; a high-shear mill can be used, but isn't necessary.
  • Elvaloy® RET is delivered as a free-flowing pellet, so it can be bulk stored and shipped.
  •  
  •  
  • Polymer developed in the 1940s, primarily for adhesive markets.
  • SBS is a dispersion of polymer in asphalt, therefore separation is possible.
  • Bulk PMA shipment is more difficult due to risk of separation.
  • Winter-filling is not recommended.
  • High-shear mill required for mixing. Increases capital and maintenance investment.
  • SBS is not bulk shipped or stored.
Compare the Processing
Terminal operators and paving contractors can also benefit from proven Elvaloy® RET asphalt modifier technology.

Reactive Elastomeric Terpolymer (RET) Styrene Butadiene Styrene (SBS)
  • Lower storage, mixing, and compaction temperatures
  • Less energy use in mix plant
  • Less likely to have smoking issues
  • Compaction can be obtained more quickly, getting traffic back on the mat sooner.
  • Much less likely to cause fume complaints
  • Fewer complaints from job site neighbors.
  • Mat less likely to shove/move due to lower temperatures
  • Paving crew will think Elvaloy® RET modified asphalt paves much like a neat asphalt.
  • As mix cools, Elvaloy® RET solidifies to "lock in" paving performance.
  • Higher storage, mixing, and compaction temperatures
  • More energy use in the mix plant
  • More likely to have environmental emissions (smoking) from the mix plant
  • Longer compaction times, longer lane closure times. Harder to construct during ever increasing night/weekend paving windows.
  • Complaints to authorities about fumes, from workers and the public
  • More likely to have fumes at the paving train due to higher temperatures
  • More likely to have shoving, moving, and tender mix issues
  • Harder to pave with. Crews inexperienced with PMA can have serious paving issues.