On the interfacial interaction between bituminous binders and mineral surfaces as present in asphalt mixtures

▸ Direct measurement of the contact angle between different phases of the microstructure of bitumen and aggregate surfaces of different chemical nature using AFM. ▸ Common schema of adhesion of bitumen on aggregates via asphaltene precipitation. ▸ Surface roughness/porosity more important than chemical nature for strength of adhesion between aggregate and bitumen.