Senior researcher Soon-man Cha of the Energy R&D Center of SKIT was granted the Top Technology Award on March 2, 2005 by the Korea Society of Pavement Engineers (KSPE). He was recognized for his contribution to national technical development in pavement by developing paving materials and engineering technology.

SKIT (Headed by senior vice president Sang-hoon Park) has worked on developing molecule-bound SBS modified asphalt (Superphalt) and made serious R&D efforts in asphalt materials and road construction.

Molecule-bound SBS modified asphalt, a major R&D breakthrough, is the first polymer modified asphalt (PMA) developed in Korea. SK Corporation developed it with its in-house technologies only. It was designated as a new construction technology in 2001.

The SBS asphalt is produced through a special technology-intensive manufacturing process. Polymer modified material SBS, which is a thermoplastic rubber, is added to regular asphalt materials and applied with SK Corp’s proprietary technology. This new asphalt has dramatically improved plasticity and less cracks.

The research team led by Dr. Cha previously succeeded in developing the high-viscosity modified asphalt for good drainage; additives for waste ASCON recycling; highly durable asphalt for long-lasting pavement; and highly elastic and reduced reflection cracking asphalt with stress absorption, thereby bringing up the level of domestic asphalt technology.

Technical and performance excellence is making SK Corp’s asphalt products highly demanded for new road construction and existing road maintenance in Korea and China.

Senior researcher Cha was appointed as a director of the KSPE after the Top Technology Award was granted, and he will play an important role in leading local road pavement technologies.