Investigation of Ageing in Bitumen Using Fluorescence Spectrum

Abstract

Bitumen ageing is a very complex process and poses a threat to the performance of pavements. In the present work, a fluorescence spectrophotometer was employed to research the change rule of components and the structure of bitumen after the ageing process. The Thin Film Oven Test (TFOT) and Ultraviolet (UV) light treatment were carried out as ageing methods. The properties and components of bitumen were tested before and after aging. The 2D and 3D fluorescence spectra of bitumen were analyzed. The vector of fluorescence peak was calculated for evaluating the ageing process. The results indicated that the ideal concentration of bitumen- tetrachloromethane solution was 0.1 g/L or smaller for avoiding the fluorescence quenching. The coordinates of fluorescent peak appeared “blue-shift” after ageing due to the change of aromatics. In addition, bitumen has already occurred serious ageing when the magnitude of a vector is more than 36.

Study on Ultraviolet Aging Mechanism of Carbon Nanotubes/SBS Composite-Modified Asphalt in Two-Dimensional Infrared Correlation Spectroscopy

“…On the macro level, it is an evaluation of various performance indicators of the aged asphalt binder. From the microscopic point of view, most of them currently use infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, fluorescence microscope, atomic force microscope and other methods [18][19][20][21][22][23]. Except for infrared spectroscopy, most of the microscopic experiments are to study the microscopic surface morphology of asphalt binder after aging, and rarely involve the transformation of microscopic molecular chains.…”

Influence of Overheating Phenomenon on Bitumen and Asphalt Mixture Properties

“…Research on the impact of the overheating phenomenon on the properties of binders and mixtures is conducted globally to a very limited extent. Numerous studies [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ] concerning the evaluation of excessive temperature impact on bitumen composites are limited to analyzing ageing phenomena ongoing at process temperatures, which are below 190 °C. The impact of additional, high temperature on bitumen and an asphalt pavement can support the self-healing process [ 12 , 13 ].…”

Special Issue of Environment-Friendly Construction Materials

“…Sun et al [7] studied the viscoelastic mechanical responses of high-modulus asphalt pavement by numerical simulation with a moving load. In three articles, ageing resistances of asphalt were reported, including ageing depth resulting from ultraviolet radiation [8], fluorescence spectrum ageing analysis [9], and ageing improvement by SBS/CRP (Styrene–butadiene–styrene polymer/crumb rubber powder) modification [10]. One research article focused on the chemical evolution and rheological properties of asphalt under water solute exposure [11].…”