Asphalt Chemistry - Good
Asphalt Chemistry - Good
Asphalt Chemistry - Good
MOLECULAR STRUCTURE - Diverse molecular structures - Predominantly composed of carbon and hydrogen. - Most molecules contain one or more heteroatoms, such as sulfur, nitrogen and oxygen. - The type of molecular structure is more important than the total amount of each element present.
PERCENT
83 - 87 10 -11 1-5 0.3 - 1,1 0.2 - 0.8
ASPHALT
N-Heptane Soluble Precipitate
MALTENES
Liquid Propane Soluble Precipitate
ASPHALTENE
OIL
RESIN
ASPHALTENES
- Dark brown, friable solids - Highest polarity - Insoluble in nonpolar solvents (e.g. heptane, pentane) - Strong tendency to associate in conglomerates - Highest molecular weights - Carbon to hydrogen ratio greater than 0.8 - Higher asphaltene content is related to higher viscosity of asphalt. - Low asphaltene content has been linked to the problem of tender asphalt mixtures.
RESINS
- Dark semi-solid - Fluid when heated & brittle when cold - Soluble in n-heptane or n-pentane - Have a lower molecular weight than that of asphaltene. - Carbon to hydrogen ratio of greater than 0.6 - Act as dispersing agents to the asphaltenes (disperse the asphaltenes throughout the oils to provide a homogeneous liquid).
OILS
- Colorless or white liquid - Soluble in most solvents - Lowest molecular weight among the three components - Carbon to hydrogen ratio of less than 0.6 - Oxygen and nitrogen usually not present - Can change into resins or asphaltenes upon oxidation.
Resins
Oils
Asphaltenes
Maltenes
Asphaltenes (A)
Paraffins (P)
Compatibility Ratio = N / P
( >0.5 considered to be good)
1Based
on original composition. of abrasion at 25C (pellet method) before and after aging. and putty-like products of consistency not associated with highway asphalt
2Average 3Cheesy
CORBETT METHOD
DISSOLVING ASPHALT IN N-HEPTANE
POLAR AROMATICS (from Corbett Method) - The final fraction to emerge when eluted with a mixture of methanol and benzene. - Molecules contain more functional groups. - Solid or semi-solid at ambient temperatures. - Aging fraction in asphalt.
10
11
Natural
By Aging
12