Bitumen and asphalt engineering

Crude oil is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons formed over millions of years and is a key resource for many industries. Among its heavy fractions, bitumens play an essential role in road infrastructure and waterproofing thanks to their adhesive properties and resistance to climatic conditions. Their chemical composition, dominated by heavy hydrocarbons and polarized compounds, gives them great durability and adaptability to mechanical stress. Within bitumens and crude oil, asphaltenes represent the heaviest and most complex fraction. These polyaromatic macromolecules, enriched in heteroatoms and trace metals, influence the stability of petroleum fluids. Their tendency to aggregate and precipitate poses major challenges in the extraction, transportation and refining of oil. The in-depth study of asphaltenes is essential to optimize the exploitation of heavy oils, improve bituminous formulations and prevent problems related to their precipitation.