Solvent effect on the morphology of the bee-structure observed by atomic force microscopy on bitumen sample

Abstract

The objective of this work was to characterize the asphaltic cement penetration grade 30/45 (CAP 30/45) based on the morphology of nanostructures called "bee" structure observed and its modification when the binder was diluted in heptanes or toluene. The morphology of CAP30/45, toluene and heptane films was studied by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) tapping mode and showed typical "bee" structure in asphaltic cement films, but this structure is not visible on the other films. While, toluene completely dissolved the bees, films attacked with heptane still presented some structures left.