The National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) has conducted ongoing research and testing to address the effectiveness of odor reducing additives with asphalt emission chemistries.

Asphalt Solutions has been included in major studies and has consistently rated amongst the highest of those tested.

Their approach is to quantify key source asphalt chemistries related to odorous emissions via gas chromatograph (GC) analysis.

The most recent odor emissions research by NCAT, Preliminary Investigation of Hot Mix Asphalt Odor Emissions and Smoke Potential, revealed the following:

a. Goal: How do odor reducers interact with asphalt emission chemistries

b. Test: 7 commercial odor additives tested for reduction/elimination capabilities

c. Include: 10 binders from various regions of the country

d. Setting: Rigorous GC analysis for chemistry. Prototype smoke and odor emissions potential (SEP) test was developed to measure continuous mass loss and opacity upon heating

e. Action: All odor additives added to liquid asphalt (lab
investigation) and tested

f. Results: Two of seven were consistently effective (Asphalt Solutions was one)

g. Action: Expanded evaluation of two remaining additives

h. Results: The odor reducers effectively reduced all odor classes tested: total reduction was dependent upon the amount of odor compound produced in the first place (i.e.-if none or little compound was there, then there was little or no change)

i. Future: More extensive research/testing planned with full range of asphalts during Phase II investigations which are currently in progress.