Asphalt rheology evolution through thermo-oxidation (aging) in a rheo-reactor

In this research we present the results of thermo-oxidation process of Colombian asphalt in a rheo-reactor. The viscosity and the particle size distribution of asphaltenes aggregates increased with the temperature of the thermo-oxidation process, demonstrating changes of the microstructure of the asphalt. The evolution of the elastic and viscous modules for aging asphalt in the rheo-reactor in the range of frequency examinated, they showed a relation of the type: G″(ω) ∼ G′(ω) ∼ ωn. This behavior with G″ > G′ (’weak gel’ structure) is related to a greater connectivity of molecules and confirms the changes generated by aging process.