Effect of Asphaltenes on SHRP Superpave Specifications

The composition of an asphalt can greatly affect its physical and chemical properties. Increasing the asphaltene content creates an asphalt with superior high-temperature properties while having a minimum impact on the low-temperature properties. Increasing the saturate content improves the low-temperature properties but hurts the high-temperature properties as well. Hardening due to oxidation is dependent on the amount of both asphaltenes and saturates present. At low levels of asphaltenes, saturates help the hardening susceptibility. However, as levels of asphaltenes increase, an increased saturate level can greatly increase the hardening susceptibility.