Unsolved enigma of bitumen: A deep dive into its confounding mysteries and secrets
In a groundbreaking study published in Scientific Reports, Dr. Ayse N. Koyun and Univ.Prof. Hinrich Grothe from the Institut für Materialchemie, Technische Universität Wien, have delved deep into the structure of bitumen, a key material in the production of asphalt. The study, with the DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-92835-3, provides valuable insights into the chemical composition of the bitumen surface and offers potential solutions to slow down the aging of the material.
The research team employed a combination of microscopic and spectroscopic methods, including Atomic Force Microscopy-Infrared Spectroscopy (AFM-IR), Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), and fluorescence microscopy, to investigate the bitumen surface and gain insights into its multiphase nature.
The findings of these methods correlated and could be interpreted conclusively. It was discovered that when bitumen cools, individual molecules arrange themselves in characteristic patterns, forming core-shell particles on the surface. This heterogeneous surface was a key finding, as it sheds light on the sites where oxidation processes triggered by oxygen-containing molecules in the air take place.
Oxidation processes are a significant factor in the aging of bitumen, making it porous and prone to damage. By understanding the structure of the bitumen surface down to ten nanometers, the researchers hope to slow down these aging processes by minimizing reactions triggered by reactive gases, light, and heat.
Bitumen's consistency depends on temperature, becoming viscous at hot temperatures and solidifying as it cools. Understanding the molecular arrangement on the surface at different temperatures could lead to further advancements in the field.
Dr. Ayse N. Koyun's email address is [email protected], and Univ.Prof. Hinrich Grothe can be reached at [email protected]. The authors of the study on the chemical composition of the surface of bitumen published in Scientific Reports on June 29 are not explicitly mentioned in the provided search results.
The combination of these methods provided a comprehensive understanding of the bitumen surface, offering potential solutions to slow down its aging and maintain the durability of asphalt roads and other bitumen-based products. This research is a significant step forward in the field of materials science and could have far-reaching implications for the construction industry.
