SFU and 3S Chemicals Awarded State Grant to Advance Roadway Materials Research
Saint Francis University has been awarded a $49,771 grant through Pennsylvania's Manufacturing Innovation Program to support a collaborative research project focused on improving the durability and performance of asphalt roadways.
The project, conducted in partnership with 3S Chemicals, LLC, located in Nanty Glo, Pennsylvania, will focus on developing advanced polymer-modified asphalt binders designed to strengthen the bond between asphalt and aggregate materials used in road construction. The research has the potential to extend roadway life, reduce maintenance costs, and improve performance under Pennsylvania's challenging weather conditions.
Governor Josh Shapiro announced the award as part of a statewide investment supporting manufacturing innovation partnerships that connect Pennsylvania companies with the Commonwealth's colleges and universities. The application to the Manufacturing Innovation Program was supported by Dr. Rachel Wagner and the SFU Innovation Development Ecosystem for the Alleghenies (IDEA) Center, which received funding from an NSF-EPIIC award.
"At Saint Francis University, we believe education should prepare students to use their talents in service to others," said Very Rev. Malachi Van Tassell, T.O.R., Ph.D., President of Saint Francis University. "This project provides our science and engineering majors with an opportunity to engage in meaningful scientific research while working alongside Pennsylvania industry partners to address challenges that affect communities every day. We are grateful for the Commonwealth's investment, which helps connect higher education, industry, and workforce development to strengthen Pennsylvania's future."
"As a Saint Francis University alumnus, I'm excited to be working with my alma mater on research that connects academic science with real-world manufacturing needs," said Ben Schultz, SFU class of 2013 and owner of 3S Chemicals, LLC. "My education at Saint Francis provided a strong foundation that continues to shape my growth as an entrepreneur, and the collaborative relationships I've maintained with faculty have remained a valuable source of insight and support over the years. This project is a meaningful opportunity to help develop new asphalt technologies that could improve roadway durability, reduce maintenance challenges, and create value for Pennsylvania communities."
Modern asphalt roads rely on binder materials that help hold crushed stone and other aggregates together. While current polymer-modified binders improve roadway performance, exposure to water, deicing salts, and repeated freeze-thaw cycles can weaken the bond between binder and aggregate, ultimately contributing to roadway deterioration.
The Saint Francis University chemistry research team will investigate new functionalized polymers capable of forming stronger chemical bonds with aggregate materials. Researchers believe these enhanced binders could provide greater resistance to stripping, cracking, and weather-related damage while maintaining the performance benefits already achieved through current asphalt technologies.
The project will engage undergraduate student researchers working under the direction of Dr. Balazs Hargittai, Professor of Chemistry, and Peter Bernard, Assistant Professor of Chemistry. Students will collaborate closely with technical advisors from 3S Chemicals throughout the research process, gaining hands-on experience in chemical synthesis, materials testing, and product development.
Research activities will include polymer synthesis and characterization using advanced laboratory instrumentation, followed by performance testing of modified asphalt binders against industry standards. The team will evaluate the materials' resistance to moisture damage and their ability to maintain adhesion under conditions that simulate real-world roadway use.
The project reflects Saint Francis University's continued commitment to undergraduate research, experiential learning, and regional economic development while demonstrating the power of collaboration between higher education and industry.