Cesare Oliviero Rossi
University of Calabria, Italy
Title: Inverse Laplace Transform (ILT) NMR: A powerful tool to differentiate a real rejuvenator and a softener of aged bitumen
Biography
Biography: Cesare Oliviero Rossi
Abstract
ILT is particularly useful when the signal is characterized by multi-exponential decay, for example in spin relaxation or in the dephasing of the NMR spin echo signal associated with sopra molecular aggregation under the influence of pulsed magnetic or internal field gradients. In this study, an Inverse Laplace Transform of the NMR spin-echo decay (T2) was applied as novel approach to observe the real rejuvenating effect of the potential additive. The potentialities of a new, non-toxic and eco-friendly biocompatible additive on aged bitumen are explored for the first time as bitumen rejuvenator, by means of advanced rheological and Relaxometry-NMR measurements. Pristine, aged, and doped aged bitumen morphology have also been investigated by SEM. The new rejuvenator helps to rearrange the structure of the aged bitumen (aiming at the original one), and this mechanism can be observed by ILT/NMR analysis.