Characterization of petroleum bitumens and their fractions by thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry

Thermogravimetric analysis (t.g.a.) and differential scanning calorimetry (d.s.c.) were applied to the characterization of petroleum bitumens and their chromatographic fractions. The influence of the different constituents on the thermal stability of bitumens was studied by t.g.a. Characteristics such as the glass transition temperature (T-g) and the percentage crystallized fraction of these samples were determined by d.s.c. The information obtained from thermal analysis is shown to be suitable for correlation with the composition and the physical properties of these products. Hence the characterization of the thermal behaviour of bitumens and related compounds may provide a useful initial step for further studies on their chemical and physical features. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd.