Investigating bitumen rejuvenation mechanisms using a coupled rheometry-morphology characterization approach

Bitumen used in this study includes both laboratory-aged bitumen and those extracted directly from field recovered samples. Characterization of the aged bitumen before and after rejuvenation was conducted by Rheometry, and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). The results of experiments showed that addition of aforementioned bio-oil referred to as bio-rejuvenator (BR) in this study significantly restored bitumen properties. In addition, correlation between size of morphological features referred to as “bees” and rheological properties suggests that “bee” length has a moderating effect on the relationship between bitumen's stiffness and viscosity.