A Method of Determination of Micro Scale Properties of Asphalt Components in Mixtures Based on Atomic Force Microscopy

Abstract:

The mixture specimen was selected as the research object and the preparation method of samples using atomic force microscopy were discussed. The maximum longitudinal distance and surface roughness of the sample surface were applied to evaluate samples in different storage conditions. The freezing method at lower temperature was recommended to ensure the flattnesss of sample surface. Then three areas in asphaltmineral filler mastic of mixtures surface were investigated using the function of quantitative Nano mechanical of atomic force microscopy(AFMQNM).The results show that the sample with freezing preservation and low temperature cutting could ensure the flatness of mixture samples， which meets the demand of AFM observation. The technology of AFMQNM can directly measure the microscale mechanic modulus and adhesion properties in mixture and effectively distinguish different material components. This study could provide a new idea for insitu evaluating aging degree of RAP asphalts.

Key words:asphalt mixture; atomic force microscopequantitative nano mechanical module; sample preparation; asphalt mastic; micro scale mechanical properties