Importance

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Abstract

Cellulose fibers are treated with a surfactant package to improve their use in the formation of viscosity enhancing gel structures in asphalt compositions. In a particular embodiment, the cellulose fibers are obtained from recycling magazines, newspapers and similar such materials, and are used in asphalt compositions that incorporate the use of other viscosity modifiers, such as mineral aggregates and fillers like attapulgite clay. The use of surfactant-treated cellulose fibers improves the formation, strength and durability of the gel structure and reduces the number of manufacturing steps normally required in the process for producing the asphalt compositions. Use of these fibers can eliminate or reduce the need to maintain and handle stocks of potentially harmful and corrosive liquid surfactants.

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First Claim