Crystallinity of Bitumen via WAXD and DSC and Its Effect on the Surface Microstructure

It is well documented that most bituminous binders contain crystallisable material. This fraction, often referred to as paraffinic or natural wax, associated with the bitumen’s origin and has an influence on its rheological performance. In literature, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) primary technique used determine melting crystallisation behaviour of this waxy fraction. However, in bitumen, thermal transitions DSC are typically very broad can be combined recrystallisation effects upon reheating. work explores potential process a wax-free bitumen via three different approaches: DSC, Wide-Angle X-ray Diffraction (WAXD) Confocal Laser Microscopy (CLSM). The findings reveal good agreement corresponding occurrence WAXD signals some extent formation disappearance surface microstructures which were followed at two cooling heating rates. results additionally demonstrate crystalline material organised orthorhombic unit cell, typical for straight chain aliphatic structures. On other hand, support lack crystallinity could explain featureless CLSM surface. Overall, originality resides disclosure connections between crystallographic properties, micromorphology bitumen.