Western Research Institute

04/27/2026

🗣️ We are proud to share that Dr. Yogesh(Yogi) Kumbargeri, PhD, PE, recently presented at the 102nd AAPT Annual Meeting in Boston!

💡 His research dives into a critical question: Why do asphalt mixtures with similar performance grades (PG) often show vastly different cracking behaviors? By combining advanced binder chemistry with rheological analysis, this work provides a clearer roadmap for predicting long-term pavement durability.

💐 Huge thanks to our collaborators at Blankenship Asphalt Tech & Training (BATT) and co-authors Jeramie Adams, Alex Literati, and Didier Lesueur, PhD, MBA.

Link to BATT: https://lnkd.in/gUMHVcsq

03/26/2026

🧑‍🔬Your research belongs at the forefront of the industry. 👩‍🔬

⌛ We are officially 3 DAYS away from the abstract deadline for the 63rd Annual Petersen Asphalt Research Conference! This is your opportunity to share your findings with the world’s leading asphalt experts. ⌛

📅 Final Date: Monday, March 30th (End of Day) 🔗 Secure your spot: https://lnkd.in/eSx9qNdz

Don’t just follow the standards—set them. Submit today!

01/27/2026

🛣️ At Western Research Institute, we believe the circular economy shouldn't just be a concept—it should be something you can drive on. 🛣️

🧪By leveraging cutting-edge renewable chemistry, our team can liquify a wide range of bio-waste materials, transforming them into high-performance asphalt products.

♻️ We aren't just reducing waste; we’re rethinking the very chemistry of our infrastructure.

Want to see the science in action?

👇 Check out the video here 👇
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKjEhwTj39M

12/15/2025

12/08/2025

🎯 Objective SDA Data Starts with Independent Testing. 🎯

Western Research Institute operates a 🛢️5-barrel-per-day SDA pilot plant, available for custom testing and research. As an independent facility, our focus is purely on delivering objective, high-quality data.

💡 Leverage our specialized equipment and expertise to maximize Deasphalted Oil (DAO) yield and quality, evaluate new feedstocks across the full solvent range, and de-risk commercial decisions with trusted pilot data.

📍 We offer comprehensive, tailored campaigns designed around your specific feedstock and objectives. Contact us to schedule your next campaign.

Want a sneak peek? 🎬 Watch our engineers discuss the capabilities of our SDA plant on our YouTube channel!
👇
********https://lnkd.in/gyBwKDpg

11/20/2025

🎯 Western Research Institute has the solution to Wind Blade Waste Recycling Resins into Asphalt Oil!

♻️ We're tackling one of the biggest challenges in renewable energy. ♻️

Wind power is green, but what about the massive composite blades? They are currently ending up in landfills or being burned, releasing greenhouse gases, and wasting valuable material.

📍 We found a better way!

🎬 This video reveals the innovative renewable chemistry that transforms highly durable composite resins from discarded blades into high-value asphalt recycling agents.

We're not just recycling; ♻️ we're achieving value-added upcycling that prevents pollution and gives materials a second life that would otherwise be lost forever. 👀 See how this breakthrough closes the loop and makes sustainable energy truly circular!

👇 ***********************************************👇

Wind power is green, but what about the massive composite blades? They are currently ending up in landfills or being burned, releasing greenhouse gases, and ...

10/27/2025

✨ At the Western Research Institute (WRI), we're driving material science behind tomorrow's high-tech world and advanced lightweight materials. 🔬

In our state-of-the-art facilities, we're pioneering mesophase pitch research using diverse feedstocks. This critical work provides the foundation for essential advanced carbon materials: mid- and high-performance carbon fiber, highly conductive carbon foam, and electrodes. ⚙️

Crucial industries like aerospace 🚀 and energy storage 🔋 rely on the high-value materials that can be produced with our mesophase pitch.

We actively partner with industry 🤝 to transform aromatic residues into these essential materials, delivering scalable and sustainable solutions ♻️ for the next generation of carbon technology.

👀 See how we're forging the future of advanced carbon materials!
Learn more about WRI mesophase research: https://lnkd.in/gf9tbwnR

📢 Don't miss the video on our YouTube channel! 🎬
https://lnkd.in/gcWJJ8k5

09/15/2025

🧪 It's all in the chemistry.

🪄 Our latest video dives into Western Research Institute SAR-AD separation technology, a game-changer for understanding asphalt, refinery streams, and additives.

🤔 Discover how we're using this patented method to gain new insights into material performance and quality.

👇 Curious about the secret to better asphalt? Watch a short video 👇
https://lnkd.in/gs7A2Ga7

09/04/2025

🤝 A groundbreaking partnership between the Western Research Institute and the University of Wyoming School of Energy Resources is transforming the future of infrastructure.

🔐 We're unlocking the power of Wyoming's abundant Powder River Basin coal reserves to create a high-performance asphalt binder.

🗣️ Engineered for both performance and sustainability, our innovative solution is ready to meet the future demands of U.S. asphalt markets.

👇 Join us on our YouTube channel. 👇
**https://lnkd.in/gr_faYwm

✨ Experience the next generation of infrastructure materials today. ✨

09/04/2025

📢 Thank You to Our Incredible Petersen Asphalt Research Conference Community!

🤝 We want to extend our deepest gratitude to the over 196 participants who joined us at the PARC 2025 conference! Your enthusiasm, insightful questions, and active engagement made this event a resounding success.

🔥 Special thanks to our brilliant Keynote speakers: John Read and Chaitanya (Chait) Bhat, Ph.D., LCACP and moderator Richard Taylor. Your presentations were truly inspiring and thought provoking, followed by an excellent Q&A session.

💥We also want to give a huge shout-out to our Special Roofing Session speakers: Jean-Paul Fort, Shane Gillies, Saleh Yousefi, Maure Creager, Adam Willett, and Suri Gatiganti and moderator Aaron Phillips. Your expertise and valuable insights made for an incredibly informative session.

😊 Thank you all for making PARC 2025 a memorable and impactful event. We look forward to seeing you next year!

07/07/2025

🌟 Shining a Spotlight on Western Research Institute: Incredible Talent!

🎉 Join us in celebrating these remarkable team members: 🎉

📢 Chris Seago: 5 years as our lead rheometer technician for Renewable Upcycling Materials and Asphalt Technologies (RenuMAT) – no asphalt project could happen without him!

📢 Joseph “Cole” Tiejten: 15 years as lead technician with our Sustainable Emerging Technologies (SET) team, instrumental in running crucial pilots like the busy Solvent DeAsphalting (SDA) unit.

📢 Jason Trout: 25 years with Western Research Institute! As a lead technician for Sustainable Emerging Technologies (SET), he also supports our IT infrastructure and assists with Renewable Upcycling Materials and Asphalt Technologies (RenuMAT).

📢 Morena Wroblewski: An astonishing 50 years with Western Research Institute! We were thrilled to thank her for her unwavering dedication as our IT Manager. What an incredible record!

😊 We also welcomed Sabrina Ecker, who joined us three months ago to replace Michelle Holmes, our HR Manager, who retired after 6 years of instrumental work in structuring our HR processes. We wish Michelle all the best! 💐

A heartfelt thank you to all these incredible individuals for their outstanding work and unwavering commitment. We're so proud to have them as part of the Western Research Institute family!