Relation of chemical composition to asphalt microstructure - Details and properties of micro-structures in bitumen as seen by thermal and friction force microscopy and by scanning near-filed optical microscopy

The application of different scanning probe microscopy modes such as FFM, SThM and SNOM enabled the investigation of the relationships between asphalt microstructure and material characteristics such as friction coefficient, thermal conductivity and chemical composition and polarity. It was possible to collect data providing more and detailed information's on a nano-scale and in detail with respect to the different micro-phases present in bituminous binders. All data collected fit into the present picture of structuring of bitumen and the characteristics of the present phases.