Alteration of π-Electron Distribution To Induce Deagglomeration in Oxidized Polar Aromatics and Asphaltenes in an Aged Asphalt Binder

Abstract

This paper features electronic evaluation explaining molecular association and dissociation during oxidative aging and rejuvenation process in polyaromatic hydrocarbons. Specifically, we employ both computational modeling and laboratory experiments to show how the presence of external stimuli such as biorejuvenator can alter π-electron distribution to further induce deagglomeration. To better link findings to real-world materials and application, the study is done on the oxidized asphaltene and resin molecules; in addition, the disturbance of electron distribution is done using a biorejuvenator derived from animal waste. As petroleum asphalt binder oxidizes, the association forces between polar aromatics are strengthened owing to the introduction of polar chemical functionalities to their molecular structure. This is evidenced by X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements showing that a new peak at high d-spacing appears after oxidation that is consistent with graphene-oxide-like (GO-like) structures. The GO-li...