Composite Asphalt Research Articles

Evaluation of natural asphalt properties treated with egg shell waste and low density polyethylene

ABSTRACT Asphalt deposits are distributed in many areas on earth and released natural asphalt of various chemical composition. Rheological properties of natural asphalt are usually improved by the addition of synthetic additives to convert it into a useful material for various industrial applications. In this work, the chemical composition of natural asphalt obtained from Al-Qayyarah/Iraq was analysed to detect its alluvial system using column chromatography and infrared spectrophotometer. Moreover, Natural asphalt was then treated by the addition of food waste product particularly eggshell powder (ESP) and commercially available low density polyethylene (LDP) in different ratios. The asphalt was separated into four main parts using column chromatography in a manner called SARA. The relative amounts of the paraffin compounds (28.58%), aromatic (29.34%), resins (19.88%) and asphalt (20.04%) determined the quality of asphalt system. The study showed that the aromatic and resin parts ratio were higher than the asphaltene part added to the negative value of penetration index. The results indicated that natural asphalt has a colloidal system of SOL type and its rheological properties were improved by the addition of both additives (ESP and LDP). This was confirmed by the application of various thermal and physical tests (softening, penetration, ductility, viscosity and water absorption tests).

Dynamically vulcanized thermoplastic elastomer nanocomposites based on linear low-density polyethylene/styrene-butadiene rubber/nanoclay/bitumen: morphology and rheological behavior

Dynamically crosslinked thermoplastic elastomer nanocomposites were synthesized as modifier for the bitumen binder-based asphalts. Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) and styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), with the ratio of 80/20, bitumen, and organically modified clay (OC) were all melt mixed in the presence of the sulfur curing system. The proposed mixing was carried out in an internal mixer at 160 °C with a rotor speed of 120 rpm. To enhance the molecular interactions between the polymer phases and the clay silicate layers, maleic anhydride-grafted LLDPE (PE-g-MA) with the maleiation degree of 50% was also incorporated into the mixture. Observation of the composite samples, using the scanning electron microscopy (SEM), revealed the matrix dispersed type of morphology for all dynamically vulcanized samples. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) examinations evidenced the exfoliation of the clay silicate layers with good dispersion. Rheomechanical spectrometry (RMS) was performed on the prepared nanocomposites. All dynamically vulcanized nanocomposites comprising 2.5% of OC exhibited shear-thinning behavior and non-terminal characteristics with a low frequency range. These indicate the formation of three-dimensional physical networks by the clay nanolayers throughout the LLDPE matrix. The presence of the bitumen in the composition of the prepared nanocomposites improved the flowability of the samples. This is a promising feature of the prepared nanocomposites to be used as an elastic and resistant modifier in the composition of the bitumen-based asphalts.

The Stabilizing Additive from Natural Zeolite for Stone Mastic Asphalt

The article describes the possibility to use natural zeolites as a stabilizing additive for Stone mastic asphalt. Stone mastic asphalt is highly resistant to damage caused by traffic and natural climatic conditions. It is possible to use natural zeolites economically exploited in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) as a stabilizing additive, a characteristic feature of which is the presence of voids and channels threading through the entire frame in a dense lattice. In this study, comparative tests of crushed stone-mastic asphalt with various stabilizing additives. As a control group of samples, the stabilizing additive “Stilobit” was used. As a result, data were obtained that natural zeolites are suitable for use as stabilizing additives in the composition of crushed stone-mastic asphalt concrete. In this study, according to the test results, it can be concluded that the natural zeolites are suitable for the use as a stabilizing additive in the composition of stone mastic asphalt. Preliminary mechanical activation of zeolites allows improving the “stone material - binder” interaction at the phase boundary, which is confirmed by improved water resistance parameters of SMA.

Coupling of microstructural and macrostructural computational approaches for asphalt pavements under rolling tire load

AbstractTo combine the advantages of microstructural finite element (FE) models of asphalt composites and macrostructural FE models of pavement structures subjected to rolling tire load, this article introduces a novel consistent simulation chain. Starting with experimental tests of asphalt mortar, an existing microstructural FE model of a Stone Mastic Asphalt, which contains coarse aggregates, asphalt mortar and air voids, is parameterized and validated. The microstructural model is then applied to identify macroscopic (homogenized) material properties of the asphalt mixture that are used in FE computations of two pavement structures under rolling tire load. The macrostructural pavement computations are evaluated by a new macro–micro‐interface that generates realistic time‐dependent displacement boundary conditions representing the rolling tire loading conditions for the microstructural model. A verification and exemplary microstructural computations at rolling tire load boundary conditions show that the introduced simulation chain allows for the investigation of the processes, stresses, and strains inside the asphalt composite at realistic loading conditions. Results can, for example, be used to improve the experimental tests on the component level as well as to gain a better understanding of the interacting processes in asphalt mixtures under rolling tire load.

Influence of thickness and granulometric composition of granular asphalt on its strength characteristics when placing into the road pavement

Influence of thickness and granulometric composition of granular asphalt on its strength characteristics when placing into the road pavement

Composition and Structure of Hexane-Insoluble Asphaltenes from Coal Pitch

The functional-group composition and structure of hexane-insoluble asphaltenes from coal pitch are studied. The methods employed are chemical (elemental) analysis, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), IR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray phase analysis, and differential thermal analysis in combination with chromatography and mass spectrometry. Analysis of the results shows that the hydrocarbon skeleton of the mean hypothetical macromolecule of the asphaltenes may be regarded as a set of condensed aromatic cores of pericondensed type, with seven rings. Alkyl substituents are present; the mean length of the connecting bridges is two carbon atoms. On average, there is one sulfur atom for each 500 carbon atoms; one nitrogen atom for each 50 carbon atoms, and one oxygen atom for each 167 carbon atoms. The ratio of structural units in asphaltene powder is as follows: for one S-bearing structure, there will be 4–5 N-bearing structures and 1.3–1.7 O-bearing structures. Sulfur atoms are present in thermally stable thiophene-like structural fragments. They enter the coke residue without decomposition. Oxygen is present in thermally unstable carboxyl and phenol groups, which break down to form CO2. It is also present in aromatic esters, which pass to the coke residue. Crystallographic analysis of the ordered structures formed by asphaltene macromolecules confirms that such macromolecules tend to undergo self-organization. The mean diameter La of such ordered structures (packets) is around 0.66 nm, while their thickness is Lc ≈ 1.30 nm. The distance between individual layers d002 ≈ 0.34 nm; the mean number of layers in the packets is n ≈ 5–7. Asphaltene powder has no more than 30% crystal structure. The data obtained by different methods are in good agreement and more completely characterize the structure of the asphaltene macromolecules in coal pitch.

Evaluating the Fatigue Resistance of the Innovative Modified‐Reinforced Composite Asphalt Mixture

Fatigue failure is regarded as one of the most common failures in the road pavement and necessitates spending huge cost annually to maintain the road. Asphalt binder modification and asphalt mixture reinforcement are among the commonly used methods to increase the pavement resistance to a failure caused by fatigue. By proposing a modified‐reinforced composite hot mix asphalt (MRC‐HMA), the present study aimed to examine the fatigue life of this mixture with one of the most traditional methods (i.e., four‐point bending beam fatigue test) and compare it at constant strain conditions and the strain levels of 500, 700, and 900 με and a temperature of 20 ± 0.8°C to that of the other three specimens, including control specimens, geogrid‐reinforced (GR‐HMA) specimens, and nanosilica‐modified (NSM‐HMA) specimens with 5% nanosilica. In all experiments, the condition to reach the failure stage was assumed equivalent to a 50% reduction in the stiffness coefficient in each load repetition, and the load was applied semisinusoidal at a frequency of 10 Hz without rest. The results showed that the MRC‐HMA mixture improved the fatigue life at the strain level of 500 μs by about 701, 172.5, and 156.4% compared to the control, NSM‐HMA, and GR‐HMA specimens, respectively. Based on the results, the use of GR‐HMA specimens has almost the same results as NSM‐HMA ones, but the use of the MRC‐HMA mixture can significantly increase the fatigue life of MRC‐HMA in all three levels of strain compared to all specimens studied in the present study. Thus, the introduced mixture can be a proper choice for pavements with heavy or light (with a large amount) traffic loads, which usually have a vast adverse effect on the fatigue behaviour of asphalt mixtures.

CARACTERIZAÇÃO TECNOLÓGICA E REAPROVEITAMENTO DE RESÍDUOS DE MAGNETITA EM MISTURAS ASFÁLTICAS E EM CONCRETO: UMA REVISÃO

A magnetita consiste em um mineral com excelentes propriedades magnéticas e mecânicas, estando presente em rejeitos da extração de ferro, estes, disponíveis mundialmente em milhões de toneladas depositadas em aterros. Ao considerar a variabilidade das características deste material, conforme especificidades da jazida de extração e das operações de processamento e reprocessamento, para a sua aplicação tecnológica é fundamental realizar a caracterização do resíduo. As mais promissoras formas de reaproveitamento do rejeito de magnetita referem-se a sua aplicação em asfalto e em concreto. Neste contexto, este trabalho aborda as principais técnicas de caracterização tecnológica de rejeitos de magnetita e suas contribuições, bem como resultados de estudos da incorporação do subproduto mineral em misturas betuminosas e concreto. Identificou-se que as técnicas utilizadas analisam os rejeitos e/ou material asfáltico compósito e betão considerando as propriedades físicas, químicas, mineralógicas e termodinâmicas. Verificou-se que o rejeito de magnetita, como substituinte parcial e integral do material de enchimento, melhorou a resistência à corrosão e às rachaduras das misturas asfálticas. Além disso, o uso de pó de magnetita, extraído do resíduo, melhorou a rigidez e a resposta elástica, bem como promoveu a cura de microfissuras da mistura betuminosa. A incorporação de resíduos do mineral em pó no concreto resultou em melhorias na trabalhabilidade e resistência do material. As informações desta revisão oferecem um panorama das técnicas de caracterização e das perspectivas de reciclagem dos rejeitos de magnetita no setor da construção civil.

Comparative analysis of composition and solubility of asphaltes from heavy oils of different oil fields

Composition and solubility of asphaltenes from various oil fields have been compared. The structural group abundance in the asphaltenes have been determined according to Fourier transform infrared spectra, while the contents of sulfur, vanadium, nickel, vanadyl complexes, and free stable radicals has been evaluated using various methods. The solubility of asphaltenes in the n-heptane-toluene system has been evaluated by spectrophotometric kinetic analysis. It has been determined that the relative content of condensed aromatic structures and carbonyl groups, as well as sulfur-containing structures and vanadyl complexes affect to various extents the solubility of asphaltenes. Effect of the composition of asphaltenes on their solubility is different in the case of conventional and heavy oils.

Experimental Study on Macro-Mesoscopic Components and Indexes of Buton Gilsonite-Modified Asphalt

Gilsonite-modified asphalt is one of the hotspots of high-performance modified asphalt research. In this paper, the macroscopic composition and index of gilsonite-modified asphalt are analyzed; gilsonite, matrix asphalt, and modified asphalt with different gilsonite contents were analyzed by high- and low-temperature performance tests, antiaging performance test, four-component test, infrared spectral test, and SEM electroscope scanning test. The results showed that the content of aromatic fraction, colloid, and asphaltene in Buton gilsonite was 3.1%, 95.6%, and 32.9% higher than that of matrix asphalt, respectively. The gilsonite-modified asphalt had better high-temperature performance and antiaging performance. The optimum amount of gilsonite in gilsonite-modified asphalt should be 9%∼15%. The pore structure of gilsonite is more distributed, the surface is rough, which can produce greater cohesion with matrix asphalt, and the compatibility is better.

CHANGES OF THE ASPHALTENES STRUCTURAL PARAMETERS UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ULTRASONIC WAVES

The article investigates the effect of ultrasonic waves on the structural characteristics of asphaltenes isolated using "cold" method at oil production from the field Usinskoye oil. According to the dispersion analysis results of micrographs, the particle diameter of the initial asphaltenes is 1-6 microns. Immediately after ultrasound exposure (22 kHz resonance frequency, 18 W/cm2 intensity) to asphaltene solutions in toluene, the dispersion of asphaltene aggregates increases and the maximum of particle size distribution shifts to 1.5 μm. After relaxation of the treated solutions for 1 h, along with particles with a diameter of 1.5 μm also large aggregates with a size of up to 22 μm are formed. After ultrasonic treatment (UT) of the solutions for 10 min the molecular weight of asphaltenes obtained by planting a 40-fold excess of hexane decreases from 2716 to 1672 a.e.m. Structural group analysis which is based on data on molecular weight, elemental composition and PMR spectroscopy showed that the number of structural blocks of the average molecule of the initial and treated asphaltenes is 4.92 and 3.40 respectively. The overall cyclicity of the structural units of the average molecule after UT decreases from 9.24 to 7.48 and the content of naphthenic cycles in the total ring composition of petroleum asphaltenes - from 105.42 to 55.07. The processes of aggregation and sedimentation of asphaltenes before and after ultrasonic exposure were investigated by measuring the optical density (wavelength 610 nm) of solutions in toluene with a concentration of 0.02 g/l into which heptane was added. Particles of asphaltenes after 5 min of processing the toluene solution and the subsequent introduction of hexane were aggregated, but do not sediment for 4 h. For a solution treated for 15 min there is a maximum initial optical density compared with other samples. The maximum optical density is reached after 28 min and then the values of optical density decreasing due to the deposition of aggregated particles.

Laboratory experiment on the effect of nano SiO2 and TiO2 on short and long-term aging behavior of bitumen

In recent years, efforts to extend life and asphalt endurance against climatic conditions and loads caused by traffic have been concerned by for road builders. To this end, researchers have explored different ways, such as changing the aggregation, using different additives and changing the composition of asphalt. According to previous studies and experiments, it seems that the modification of bitumen using polymers alone does not completely improve the bitumen properties and asphalt performance. Therefore, in this study, the effect of silica and titanium nano-oxides on the rheological behavior of bitumen was investigated. In this study, rheological tests such as Direct Shear Rheometer, Bending Beam Rheometer, Multiple Stress Creep Recovery and Linear Amplitude Sweep were performed. The results show that adding different percentages of nanomaterials to bitumen improves bitumen resistance against aging and damages such as rutting and fatigue and improve rheological behavior of bitumen. Of all the percentages selected, the use of 1.2% nano SiO2 and 0.9% Nano TiO2 had the best performance. The results show that addition of 1.2% Nano SiO2 at 40 °C increases rutting resistance of the mixture approximately 100% and also increases the fatigue life of bitumen samples by 50%.

The Relationship of the Asphalt Mixtures Composition and Physical Mechanical Characteristics of the Coating

In the course of the work performance the following surveys were carried out: the analysis of the information assurance of the asphalt concrete mixtures production quality, the study of the relationship between the composition of asphalt concrete mixtures and the physical and mechanical characteristics of the coating. This paper presents the results of the analysis of the two types asphalt concrete mixtures qualitative composition and its effect on the physical, mechanical and technological characteristics of the coating. It is established that the deviation of asphalt concrete mixtures in composition from the required values ​​leads to their under-compaction in the coating. It was also found that the increase in the number of inconsistencies in the composition of the asphalt concrete mixture leads to the increase in physical and mechanical characteristics that differ from the requirements of GOST 9128-2013 and GOST 31015-2002. The amount of bitumen on the asphalt concrete main characteristics, the data from the existing AP in the Belgorod Region were used as the information base in assessing the influence of granulometry of the asphalt concrete mineral part. Analysis of the particle size distribution was carried out using the laser analyzer for asphalt concrete AP 7 / 35B. The obtained data will be the basis for further study of the various parameters influence on the asphalt mixes properties, as well as improving the efficiency of the asphalt mix production control system.

Dynamics of Changes in Composition and Stability of the Heavy Oil Sampled from the Usinskoye Oil Field as a Result of Formation Treatment with a Sol-Forming EOR System

The paper deals with a sol-forming system for oil recovery enhancement (EOR system) used to increase the rate of heavy oil displacement. The effect of sol-forming EOR system during the heavy oil displacement on the composition and stability of oil sampled from the Usinskoye oil field of Russia is investigated. The composition of a crude oil also plays an important role in changing its stability. The work is aimed to investigate stability of heavy crude oil in regards to asphaltene precipitation. For asphaltene toluene/n-heptane solutions, the aggregation stability of asphaltenes based on сhange in the optical density with time is investigated via spectrophotometry. SARA analysis is used to characterize the compositions of heavy oils. First, the content of asphaltenes precipitated from the oil samples is determined and then the samples of deasphalted crude oil (maltenes) are analyzed by the method of liquid adsorption chromatography for the purpose to study the composition of oil sampled from the wells before and after their treatment with the sol-forming EOR system. It is found out that the treatment of reservoir crude oil with the sol-forming EOR system results in changes in composition of saturated, aromatic hydrocarbons, resins, and asphaltenes (SARA components) and aggregative stability of produced oil. The results obtained showed that the aggregative stability of heavy oil depends not only on the content of SARA components in the dispersion medium but on the presence of metalloporphyrins in the oil. Metalloporphyrins could act as inhibitors of asphaltene precipitation, which is an additional factor responsible for the stabilization of the oil dispersed system

Influence of Co-based catalyst on subfractional composition of heavy oil asphaltenes during aquathermolysis

The chemical changes in the composition of asphaltene subfractions of heavy oil under the influence of oil-soluble Co-based catalyst were investigated. The results of SARA-analysis and MALDI-spectroscopy revealed a decrease in absolute content of asphaltenes and their molecular masses in the presence of catalyst. Moreover, the sulfur content was decreased under the catalyst influence and it was mostly observed in the subfraction with the highest molecular weight (A5). The main catalytic reaction was a destructive hydrogenation, directed to break the –С–S–C– bonds in the asphaltene molecules. The 13C NMR spectra revealed the decrease in average length of chain (MCL) after catalytic treatment by 15 times in A1 subfraction, which was accepted as a solvate layer and almost by 13 times in A2 subfraction. The C–O and C–S bonds break in the side chains of aromatic and alicyclic hydrocarbons. The content of primary (Cp) and the sum of secondary and quaternary (Csq) carbons was increased, while the content of tertiary (Ct) and aromatic carbons (Car) declined. The high-molecular poly-alicyclic and polyaromatic components had lost the straight and branched aliphatic hydrocarbons, and then were transformed into coke like substance – carbene-carboids.

Comparative influence's research of the compound of metals carboxylates on the generation and composition of hydrocarbons from Domanic deposits at steam-thermal effect in CO2 environment

The influence of the catalyst - the compound of oil-soluble carboxylates of metals: Fe, Co and Cu - on the properties and generation of hydrocarbons from the Domanic carbonate-siliceous rocks of the coeval sediments of the Semiluki horizon of the Romashkino and Pervomaisky oil fields located in the central and north-eastern part of Tatarstan was investigated. Experiments were carried out at the temperature 300 °C, during steam-thermal effect in CO2 environment. Rocks differ in their carbonate and siliceous content, the content of kerogen and dispersed organic matter, group and structural group composition of the selected extracts, which is due to the different conditions of formation of thicknesses. Due to the processes of destruction of high molecular components and insoluble kerogen structure, the presence of metal catalyst in the reaction system increases the yield of extracts from rocks: 12 times in the rock's sample from Romashkino field and 2 times in the rock's sample of Pervomaisky field, in which the content of saturated hydrocarbons increases: 6 and 1.5 times respectively. The features of the structural-group composition and paramagnetic properties of asphaltenes and carbene-carboids, formed in the process of catalytic experiments, due to the different content of kerogen and high-molecular organic matter in the initial rocks are revealed. Peculiarities in the composition and distribution of microelements in the studied rocks before and after catalytic experiments were revealed. A high sorption capacity of the rock to the metals that included in the compound of the used catalysts was identified.

Rheological Properties, Compatibility, and Storage Stability of SBS Latex-Modified Asphalt.

A styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) latex modifier can be used for asphalt modification due to the fact of its energy-saving, construction convenience, and economic advantages. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of asphalt type and SBS latex dosage on the rheological properties, compatibility, and storage stability of asphalt through temperature and frequency sweep, steady-state flow, multiple stress creep and recovery (MSCR) tests, Cole-Cole plots and thermal storage tests. The results indicated that high SBS latex content is beneficial for improving anti-rutting, anti-fatigue, viscous flow resistance, and elastic recovery abilities of modified asphalt. The chemical composition of asphalt had a significant effect on the properties of the SBS latex-modified asphalt. High asphaltenes and low resins were favorable to enhancing anti-rutting and recovery properties but weakened the anti-fatigue, compatibility, and storage stability of modified asphalt. Furthermore, compared to SBS particle-modified asphalt, SBS latex-modified asphalt had greater rutting and fatigue resistance. However, SBS latex-modified asphalt had some disadvantages in compatibility and storage stability. Comprehensively considering the balance of viscoelastic properties, compatibility, and storage stability of SBS latex-modified asphalt, the mixing dosage of SBS latex modifier is recommended at 4.0 wt% which could feasibly replace SBS particle in asphalt modification.

Performance Evaluation of Bone Glue-Modified Asphalt

Asphalt is one of the primary materials that are extensively used by the pavement industry throughout the world. Its behaviour is highly dependent on the amount of loading and the level of temperature it is exposed to. Asphalt has been modified in the past with different additives to improve its high- or low-temperature properties. In Pakistan, temperature remains high for most of the time of the year; hence, asphalt binders with less susceptibility to higher temperatures are preferred for flexible pavements. Acids, polymers, fibers, and extenders have been used by the researchers to improve high-temperature performance of asphalt mixture. In the present study, a bio material derived from the animal waste, named as bone glue (BG), has been used with the 60/70 penetration grade binder in dosages of 3%, 6%, 9%, and 12% by weight of asphalt binder. The bone glue is produced from a sustainable source. It is a cost-effective and eco-friendly material. Moreover, it produces a durable and nonhazardous asphalt composite. The influence of addition of bone glue on asphalt binder was evaluated using different testing techniques which include consistency tests, rheological analysis, and adhesion tests. Furthermore, different performance tests were conducted on bone glue-modified asphalt mixtures. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis were carried out to ensure the homogeneity and proper mixing of bone glue in asphalt binder. The results from the tests reveal that bone glue stiffens the asphalt binder hence enhancing its high temperature performance. Bone glue dosage of 9% by weight of the binder was found to be the optimum dosage based on the rheological and performance analysis.

Rheological properties and micro-characteristics of polyurethane composite modified asphalt

The objective of this study aims to investigate the rheological properties and micro-characteristics of polyurethane (PU) composite modified asphalt. In this study, the mixture of PU and rock asphalt (RA) was incorporated into base asphalt to prepare PU composite modified asphalt through a self-determined laboratory process. The properties of PU composite asphalt with different PU and RA contents was analyzed by the base performance tests. The dynamic shear rheology (DSR), bending beam rheology (BBR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermal gravity (TG) were used to clarify rheological properties, chemical and microstructure of the binders, respectively. The results indicated that the PU composite modified asphalt with 5% PU and 5% RA exhibited a favorable performance in terms of the penetration, ductility, softening point and rotational viscosity, respectively. The PU composite modified asphalt with 3%, 5% PU and 15% RA showed the best high temperature performance grade (PG). Both the PU and RA indicated a preferable compatibility with the base asphalt. The unsaturated bond in PU crosslinked with the S-S bond in asphalt, which is helpful to improve the resistance to low temperature deformation. It can be found that the composite asphalt containing 5% PU and 5% RA performed a preferable laboratory performance investigated based on rheological properties tests and the microstructure observation. Also, the isocyanate respectively reacted with the phenol and carboxylic acid in the PU composite modified asphalt leading to the performance improvement. This study also showed that the PU has promising properties, and the PU and RA can be used as composite modification to increase the durability and service life of asphalt pavement.

THE EFFECT OF THE COMPOSITION OF MIXTURES OF CONDENSED FRACTIONS OF A VENEZUELAN RESIDUE ON THE QUALITY OF THE PRODUCTS OBTAINED FROM DELAYED COKING

The effect of the composition of resin and asphaltene on the quality of products obtained from delayed coking was evaluated. 10 mixtures with a controlled composition of S.A.R.A. (Saturates, Aromatic, Resin, Asphaltene) fractions with high percentage of resin and asphaltene, from a vacuum residue of Venezuelan crude commercially known as “Merey”, were processed in a delayed coking unit at laboratory scale. The physic-chemical characteristics of the mixtures and products (distilled and coke) were obtained. Results indicate that on increasing the resin and asphaltene content, there is a decrease in the content of volatile material and an increase in fixed carbon and ash. Metal and sulphur content were found in a lesser proportion in coke from the mixtures rich in resin while said content was higher for the mixtures rich in asphaltene. This showed the impact that the S.A.R.A composition of the feed has on the quality of the products obtained.