Mystery of the Asphalt Enigma
In a groundbreaking study, researchers from the Technical University of Vienna and the Technical University of Liberec, in collaboration with Harvard University, have delved into the multiphase nature of bitumen surfaces. The findings of this study were published on June 29 in the journal Scientific Reports.
Led by Dr. Ayse N. Koyun and Univ.Prof. Hinrich Grothe at the Institut für Materialchemie, Technische Universität Wien, the study employed a combination of nanoscale infrared spectroscopy, time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry, and fluorescence microscopy. These methods allowed for the mapping of the bitumen surface structure down to ten nanometers, revealing a heterogeneous surface.
Bitumen, a material primarily used for asphalt production, is produced from petroleum. Its consistency depends largely on temperature, with larger chemical compounds moving freely at hot temperatures and solidifying as it cools. However, the aging of bitumen can be a significant issue due to oxidation processes that make it porous and cause damage.
Oxidation processes on bitumen surfaces are triggered by oxygen-containing molecules in the air such as ozone, nitrogen oxides, or hydroxyl radicals. These processes accelerate the aging of bitumen, making it vulnerable to environmental factors.
Understanding the oxidation behavior of bitumen better can help find measures to prevent atmospheric aging and extend the lifespan of bitumen products. The study's findings suggest that the bitumen surface forms core-shell particles, composites consisting of at least two different components.
The combination of microscopic and spectroscopic methods used in the study allowed for a comprehensive understanding of the bitumen surface. The findings of these methods correlate and can be interpreted conclusively, providing a complete picture of the bitumen surface.
For more information about the study, please contact Dr. Ayse N. Koyun at [email protected] or Univ.Prof. Hinrich Grothe at [email protected]. The DOI for the study is 10.1038/s41598-021-92835-3.
The aging of bitumen can be slowed down by minimizing reactions triggered by reactive gases, light, and heat. By understanding the intricacies of bitumen's multiphase nature, researchers hope to develop more durable and long-lasting asphalt products in the future.
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