SummaryBitumen is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons for which microstructural understanding is incomplete. In an effort to detail this microstructure, a asphalt cement sample (CAP 30/45) was analysed by thermal phase detection atomic force microscopy. Phase contrast and topography images showed that sample morphology is highly dependent on temperature. The 'bee structure' changed considerably at temperatures between 50• C and 56• C. A decrease of the oscillation amplitude was observed upon heating and the 'bees' completely disappeared at temperatures above 57• C. When the temperature was decreased after melting at 170• C, the 'bees' began to nucleate gradually at temperatures of 57• C and its evolution with time was followed. Changes in morphology were compared to thermal analysis results and a model for the 'bee' structure was proposed.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.