Characterization of oxidized asphaltenes and the restorative effect of a bio-modifier

In this study, we use density functional theory (DFT) at a micro-level and laboratory experiments at a macro-level to understand two phenomena: the molecular mechanisms responsible for the chemical aging of asphalt, and the restorative effect of a new generation of bio-modifiers for treating aged asphalt. Our DFT-based studies show that the interplay of a series of competing factors is responsible for enhancement of the intermolecular...