For more than a decade, Butonal NX 4190 has been a trusted solution in the asphalt emulsion industry, providing reliability, flexibility, and durability for pavement preservation applications. As the industry gathers for the upcoming Pavement Preservation & Recycling Alliance (PPRA) Conference from March 3–7, 2025, BASF is reinforcing the longstanding value of 4190 while highlighting its continued commitment to innovation, customer support, and sustainability.
The Evolution of 4190: A Customer-Driven Innovation
BASF introduced Butonal NX 4190 more than 13 years ago, replacing its predecessor NX 1138 in response to shifting asphalt formulations and evolving customer needs. The transition was driven by feedback from asphalt emulsion manufacturers who struggled to meet residual testing requirements due to increasing variability in asphalt sources.
“We listened to our customers and adapted our formulation to ensure that they could meet these specifications while maintaining the high field performance they had come to expect from our products,” said Arlis Kadrmas, Expert Technical Specialist at BASF.
The key enhancement in Butonal NX 4190 was its more robust crosslinking package, ensuring that elastic recovery and other critical performance metrics remained consistent despite fluctuations in asphalt composition. Prior to this change, some customers found that they had to increase polymer content significantly to meet specifications, adding costs and reducing competitiveness in a low-bid environment.
With the reformulated 4190, customers gained greater formulation flexibility, improved reliability, and enhanced cost efficiency—all without compromising performance in the field.
Performance and Reliability: What Sets 4190 Apart
One of 4190’s biggest advantages are its ease of use and formulation flexibility. Unlike modified asphalt solutions, which require extensive pre-mixing and processing, 4190 allows for quick adjustments to meet regional specifications.
“In a plant setting, adjusting polymer content with 4190 is as simple as turning a knob,” said Kadrmas, who has decades of experience in the asphalt industry. “With modified asphalt, once you have a set blend, you’re locked in. That lack of flexibility makes it harder to adapt to changing project requirements.”
Additionally, 4190 has proven to be a highly reliable polymer in applications such as:
• Chip seals, where it enhances adhesion and longevity
• Microsurfacing, which protects pavement from oxidation and water damage
• Modified slurry seal, a cost-effective resurfacing treatment
This level of versatility and reliability has made Butonal NX 4190 a preferred solution for transportation agencies, contractors and asphalt manufacturers looking for a proven performer in pavement preservation.
Sustainability and Cost Savings for the Future
Beyond performance, 4190 supports broader sustainability goals by extending road life and reducing the need for full-depth pavement reconstruction. This contributes to both environmental and economic savings, reducing waste, emissions, and taxpayer costs.
“As part of BASF’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure, 4190 helps maximize the service life of roads,” said Kimberly Anne Wilson, Market Segment Manager — Building Envelope & Infrastructure at BASF. “Instead of removing and replacing an entire roadway, these treatments allow for surface rejuvenation, reducing environmental impact and long-term maintenance costs.”
Additionally, the pavement preservation techniques enabled by 4190 — such as chip sealing and microsurfacing — help departments of transportation (DOTs) stretch budgets further while still maintaining high-quality roads.
“Agencies are increasingly focused on getting the most out of taxpayer dollars,” added Kadrmas. “By using 4190 in these preservation methods, roads last longer and agencies avoid the high costs of complete reconstruction.”
Commitment to Industry Leadership and Customer Support
BASF is deeply invested in industry leadership, customer collaboration, and technical support. With decades of expertise in asphalt chemistry and emulsion technology, the company is committed to helping customers achieve optimal results with 4190.
BASF’s technical experts actively participate in key industry organizations, ensuring that 4190 remains aligned with evolving standards and best practices. Kadrmas currently holds leadership roles in multiple industry groups, including:
• Secretary-Treasurer of the Asphalt Emulsion Manufacturers Association (AEMA)
• Technical Coordinator of the International Bitumen Emulsion Federation (IBEF)
• ASTM Subcommittee Chair for Cold Mix Standards
• Member of the Transportation Research Board (TRB)
• AKM20 Subcommittee member at TRB
Beyond technical leadership, BASF prioritizes customer service and supply reliability. Whether through rail shipments, trucking logistics or transloader sites, BASF ensures timely and efficient product delivery, even during the high-demand asphalt season.
“Our customer service team plays a crucial role in ensuring that 4190 arrives exactly when and where our customers need it,” said Wilson. “This level of responsiveness is critical, especially during peak paving months when project schedules are tight.”
Looking Ahead: Innovation and Future Developments
While Butonal NX 4190 remains a market leader, BASF is constantly evaluating new innovations to meet evolving industry needs. Future developments may include:
• Adjustments to formulation to align with new performance testing methods
• Advancements in lower-temperature recovery techniques
• Enhanced sustainability features to support greener infrastructure
“We don’t make changes just for the sake of change,” said Wilson. “However, we are always listening to customers and monitoring industry trends to ensure that our solutions continue to provide the best possible performance and value.”
Kadrmas emphasized that BASF’s approach to innovation is collaborative and customer focused. “We evolve as needed, based on real-world challenges. 4190 has stood the test of time, and we remain committed to improving wherever it benefits our customers.”
Meet BASF at PPRA 2025
BASF will be attending the Pavement Preservation & Recycling Alliance (PPRA) Conference from March 3 – 7, in Rancho Mirage, California. As a sustaining bronze-level sponsor, BASF will be engaging with industry professionals, agencies, and customers to discuss the latest advancements in pavement preservation and sustainable infrastructure.
“This is one of the biggest events of the year for the asphalt industry,” said Wilson. “We’ll have representatives from across BASF’s technical, sales, business management, and customer support teams onsite, ensuring we’re available for discussions on 4190, emerging trends, and the future of pavement preservation.”
While BASF won’t have a traditional booth at PPRA, the team will be actively involved in the conference programming and networking events, sharing insights and answering questions from attendees.
A Trusted Solution for the Future of Infrastructure
With a legacy built on performance, reliability, and customer collaboration, Butonal NX 4190 remains a cornerstone of pavement preservation. As BASF looks ahead, the company is committed to ensuring that 4190 continues to be a leading solution for agencies and contractors seeking durable, cost-effective, and sustainable road treatments.
For more information on Butonal NX 4190 and how it can enhance your pavement preservation projects, contact BASF.