Comparison of column chromatography and solid-phase extraction on virgin and aged bituminous maltene phases

Abstract Bitumen is a complex mixture consisting of different hydrocarbons, which can be categorised into substance classes called SARA (saturates, aromatics, resins and asphaltenes) fractions. The saturates, aromatics are further referred to as maltenes or maltene phase. To determine the fractions asphaltenes were separated from in first step. A standard method separate column chromatography (CC). Since time-consuming solvent-intensive process, an alternative for separating using solid-phase extraction (SPE) was investigated. total nine bitumen samples same type ageing states but manufacturers with both methods mass percentages investigating their comparability. results show that led However, SPE, smaller amounts possible while saving large amount material, costs, workload. Linear regression analyses between colloidal indices conventional rheological parameters revealed obtained SPE higher coefficients determination linear model. structurally compared FTIR spectroscopy, whereby spectra CC did not any significant differences. overall consideration concludes replace CC.