Quantifying Asphalt Blending via Atomic Force Microscopy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for quantifying the degree of blending of virgin and aged asphalt in hot recycled asphalt mixtures (HRAM) are inaccurate and destructive, failing to reflect the true blending state of the asphalts.

Innovation Solution

A method and system utilizing atomic force microscope (AFM) technology to measure the microscale modulus of recycled, aged, and virgin asphalts, constructing a relational equation to calculate the degree of blending without destroying the asphalt mixture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If extraction and recycling methods are used to quantify blending state, then quantitative data can be obtained, but the real mixing state of virgin and aged asphalt is destroyed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequantitative accuracy of blending stateVSAvoidintegrity of asphalt mixture

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces destructive chemical extraction methods with non-destructive atomic force microscopy (AFM) technology to measure the microscale modulus of asphalt binders. This substitution allows quantitative measurement of blending state without destroying the physical and chemical composition of the asphalt mixture, thereby resolving the contradiction between obtaining quantitative data and preserving sample integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Stability of the object's composition

If performance change methods are used to indirectly characterize miscibility, then measurement can be performed without destruction, but the quantitative results cannot truly reflect the blending state

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegrity of asphalt mixtureVSAvoidaccuracy of blending state measurement

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces indirect performance-based characterization with direct mechanical property measurement using AFM. By measuring the microscale modulus of asphalt binders in situ within the mixture, the method provides direct quantitative evidence of blending state rather than relying on indirect performance changes, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining non-destructive testing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from macro-scale performance measurement to micro-scale modulus measurement. By examining the asphalt binder at the microscale level (individual binder films on aggregate surfaces), the method provides more direct and accurate information about blending state, moving from indirect bulk property changes to direct local mechanical property measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of manufacture

If full blending hypothesis is used in design, then design process is simplified, but insufficient binder results in poor pavement performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of design processVSAvoidpavement performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a feedback mechanism by using measured microscale modulus data to determine the actual degree of blending, which then feeds back into the mixture design process. Instead of assuming full blending, the method uses quantitative measurement results to adjust binder content and composition, ensuring adequate binder availability while optimizing mixture design for improved pavement performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This method allows for accurate, non-destructive quantification of the blending degree, optimizing the preparation process of recycled mixtures and providing a theoretical basis for designing high-performance recycled asphalt pavements.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing atomic force microscope (AFM) technology to measure the microscale modulus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAtomic force microscopy: Scanning Probe Microscopy

Data Source

PatentUS12235285B2Method and system for quantifying degree of blending of virgin and aged asphalt in hot recycled asphalt mixtures (HRAM)

Publication Date: 2025.02.25 TONGJI UNIV

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a method and system for quantifying a degree of blending of virgin and aged asphalt in HRAM. The method includes the following steps: first, constructing a relational equation between the microscale modulus of recycled asphalt in a fully blended state and the content of the aged asphalt; measuring the microscale modulus of the recycled asphalt, the microscale modulus of the aged asphalt, the microscale modulus of the virgin asphalt, and the content of the aged asphalt in the HRAM in situ; inputting the dates above into the relational equation to obtain the microscale modulus of the recycled asphalt in the fully blended state; and based on the microscale modulus of the recycled asphalt measured in situ and the microscale modulus of the recycled asphalt in the fully blended state, obtaining the degree of blending of the virgin and aged asphalt in the HRAM.