Australian technology company Hazer Group has reported independent testing indicating its graphite can replace part of petroleum-derived bitumen in heavy-duty asphalt while maintaining or improving key performance characteristics.
The testing, conducted by Boral Construction Materials Technical Services, assessed Hazer graphite in several dense-graded asphalt formulations commonly used in road construction. The formulations were tested against Transport for New South Wales specifications for heavy-duty pavement applications, according to Hazer.
In an ASX announcement, Hazer said the testing found graphite-containing asphalt met applicable performance requirements while improving several durability and engineering measures.
One formulation containing Hazer graphite recorded a Tensile Strength Ratio of 89%, compared with 81% for the conventional control mix. Hazer said the result indicated improved resistance to moisture-related damage and stripping.
The company also reported improvements in tensile strength across graphite-containing formulations, as well as resistance to rutting and deformation. Testing further indicated improved ageing characteristics compared with conventional asphalt binders.
Hazer CEO and Managing Director Glenn Corrie said the results provided further evidence of the potential applications for the company’s graphite in infrastructure markets.
“These latest results represent an important step forward in demonstrating the functional performance and versatility of Hazer graphite in large-scale infrastructure applications,” Corrie said.
Hazer said the results could support the use of its graphite as a lower-emissions additive to partially replace petroleum-derived bitumen. However, the company noted that any environmental benefits from the substitution would require further lifecycle assessment and validation.
The company is targeting the global bitumen market, with Hazer estimating demand in road construction and pavement at about 122 million tonnes per year. It cited reported spot prices of US$383 to US$724 per tonne across major international ports as a reference range for the potential value of graphite as a partial replacement material.
Hazer said asphalt applications form part of a broader graphite commercialisation strategy covering high-volume markets including steelmaking and cement, alongside potential higher-value applications.
The content of this article is based on information supplied by Hazer Group Ltd. For more information, please refer to the official company announcement and communications from Hazer. Please consult a licensed and/or registered professional in this area before making any decisions based on the content of this article.
