Observation of Bitumen Microstructure Changes using Scanning Electron Microscopy

ABSTRACT The relations among the composition, structure and usable properties of asphalt binder have not been clarified yet. For that reason The Transport Research Centre (CDV) has started to study the asphalts microstructure using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). But SEM requires an appropriate preparation method, because the raw sample can not be studied directly. The oil fraction, precluding the observation, must be eliminated. Nevertheless its removal may cause a modification of the original structure. And this might consequently impact on the results of the observation. The article presents bitumen microstructures obtained using SEM that enables to evaluate the suitable sample preparation procedure for the SEM observation.