AZA 0958 ELASTIC RECOVERY MOULD

Description

Elastic Recovery Mould is an essential testing accessory used in bitumen ductility tests to measure the elastic recovery characteristics of bituminous binders, particularly polymer-modified bitumen (PMB). The mould plays a critical role in forming standard test specimens that undergo elongation in a ductility testing machine to assess how well the material regains shape after being stretched.

At Azalab, our Elastic Recovery Mould is precisely manufactured from high-grade brass or stainless steel to ensure accuracy, dimensional stability, and durability during repeated thermal and mechanical cycles.

Why Elastic Recovery Matters

In road construction, bitumen is often modified with polymers to improve its performance under temperature variations and mechanical loads. One of the key properties of these polymer-modified binders is elasticity — their ability to stretch and then return to their original form. The elastic recovery test provides a quantitative measure of this behavior.

The elastic recovery mould helps prepare a sample of bitumen in a defined shape, which is then subjected to elongation at a controlled rate and temperature. After being stretched to a specific length (usually 20 cm), the sample is cut and the retraction (recovery) of the two ends is measured. The percentage of recovery indicates the elasticity of the binder.

This test is particularly important in climates where roads are exposed to high traffic loads and varying temperatures, as elastic bitumen can reduce rutting, cracking, and deformation.

Key Features of Azalab’s Elastic Recovery Mould

• Standard Dimensions: Manufactured as per ASTM D6084 and EN 13398, ensuring global compatibility.

• Material Options: Available in brass (resists corrosion and thermal warping) or stainless steel (enhanced strength).

• Smooth Finish: Precision machined internal cavity allows easy sample demolding without damage.

• Reusable Design: Can withstand repeated heating and cooling cycles.

• Perfect Fit: Designed to work seamlessly with standard ductility test apparatus.

Applications

• Highway materials testing

• Polymer-modified bitumen quality checks

• Asphalt formulation R&D

• Bitumen plant QA/QC labs

• Academic research on elastic recovery behavior

How It Works

1. The mould is filled with heated bitumen sample and allowed to cool to form a solid specimen.

2. The specimen is mounted on a ductility testing machine and stretched at 5 cm/min.

3. At 20 cm elongation, the specimen is cut, and the two ends are allowed to recover.

4. The distance the ends move back is used to calculate elastic recovery (%).

Specifications:

 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ):

Q1: What is an Elastic Recovery Mould used for?
A1: It is used to form bitumen samples for ductility and elasticity testing, particularly for modified binders.

Q2: Which standards does it comply with?
A2: ASTM D6084 and EN 13398 for elastic recovery of bitumen.

Q3: Can I use this mould for unmodified bitumen?
A3: Yes, but it’s most valuable when testing polymer-modified binders.

Q4: How do I clean the mould after testing?
A4: Allow bitumen to cool, then clean with a soft cloth and solvent such as toluene.

Q5: Is this mould compatible with all ductility testers?
A5: Yes, it’s designed to work with standard ductility testing machines used globally.