Asphaltene Genesis in BitumenMineral Compositions as Ageing Indicator

The problem of reducing the aging intensity of asphalt concrete pavements, which determines periods between repairs and road durability, is becoming increasingly urgent. Organic binders in bitumen-mineral compositions (BMC) start ageing already during their manufacture. This process occurs throughout the entire life cycle of asphalt concrete. Complex physicochemical transformations occur first of all, in adsorption-solvation films of bitumen on the grain surface of mineral materials. Further polymerization of oil binder components is accompanied by an increase in their molecular weight in the following order: oils → resins → asphaltenes. It is proposed to call the increase in the asphaltene concentration asphaltene genesis. This term means a decrease in the content of low-molecular fractions and an increase in high-molecular fractions; growth in viscosity of bitumen films, increase in their brittleness at negative temperatures and, as a consequence, increase in the crack formation, destruction of road surface even before the service life established by standards. It is proposed to estimate the degree of asphaltene by the quantity of paramagnetic centers in BMC.

Purpose: The aim of the work is to study the BMC ageing under the influence of natural and climatic factors by control the content of asphaltenes in the structural layer. Since asphaltenes are one hundred percent concentrate of paramagnetic centers, the intensity of the asphaltene formation can be estimated by changes in the concentration of paramagnetic centers. Thus, the concentration of paramagnetic centers in the BMC can act as an indirect indicator of BMC aging.

Methodology/approach: Granite and limestone were used as mineral components. BND 90/130 bitumen served as a binder, while polyamide fibres acted as dispersed reinforcement and crude oil from the Pervomaisky field (Tomsk Region) served as an adsorbate. Changes in the concentration of paramagnetic centres in BMC samples were evaluated using the EPR method on a RADIOPAN SE/X-25-44 device with ruby rods.

Research findings: The surface modification of mineral materials is shown during the BMC preparation by an introduction of polymer dispersed reinforcement in the BMC composition from sections of processed chemical fibers impregnated with oil products. The proposed solution allows decreasing the intensity of asphaltene formation, and, consequently, aging of bitumenmineral compositions.

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