Thin-Layer Chromatography with Flame Ionisation Detection (TLC-FID)

TLC-FID (IATROSCAN MK-6) is used to separate and quantify bitumen fractions based on polarity. The technique provides the relative proportions of saturates, aromatics, resins and asphaltenes (SARA), enabling changes in binder composition due to ageing and recycling to be investigated.

Dynamic Shear Rheometer – Anton Paar MCR 302

The MCR 302 is used to characterise the linear and nonlinear viscoelastic response of bituminous binders, emulsion residues and mastics. Different measurement geometries enable time- and frequency-domain testing over a wide range of temperatures and loading conditions.

MCR 702 TwinDrive Rheometer – Torsional Testing

The MCR 702 TwinDrive, equipped with solid rectangular and circular fixtures, enables torsional testing of bituminous mortars and asphalt mixtures. The system is used to investigate their viscoelastic response over a range of temperatures and loading frequencies.

MCR 702 TwinDrive Rheometer – Tribology

The MCR 702 TwinDrive, configured with a ball-on-three-plate tribology system, is used to investigate the friction and lubrication characteristics of bituminous binders. The system enables measurement of the coefficient of friction and development of Stribeck curves under controlled normal force, temperature and sliding velocity.

High-Pressure Rheology – PR170/XL

The PR170/XL high-pressure cell, coupled with the MCR 702 TwinDrive Rheometer, enables rheological measurements at temperatures up to 170 °C and pressures up to 170 bar. The system is used to investigate the influence of pressure on the viscoelastic and flow behaviour of bituminous binders.

Standard Binder Ageing – RTFO and PAV

The Rolling Thin Film Oven (RTFO) and Pressure Ageing Vessel (PAV) are used for laboratory simulation of short- and long-term ageing of bituminous binders. These standard ageing protocols provide controlled reference materials for evaluating ageing-induced changes in binder properties.

Controlled Laboratory Ageing Protocol

An in-house forced-draft oven ageing protocol is used to produce binders with different and controlled ageing histories. The protocol supports systematic investigation of ageing, recyclability and the response of aged binders to recycling agents.

Binder Blending Facility

Low- and high-shear blending systems are available for preparing unmodified and polymer-modified binder blends. The facility enables controlled preparation of binder systems containing virgin binders, aged binders, polymers, recycling agents and other additives.

Dynamic Shear Rheometer – DSR 102

Asphaltene Separation and Maltene Recovery

The facility is used for the separation of asphaltenes from bituminous binders and recovery of the maltene fraction through solvent extraction and rotary evaporation. The procedure supports investigations into compositional changes associated with ageing, recycling and binder modification.

Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectrometer – PerkinElmer

FTIR spectroscopy is used to investigate the chemical characteristics of bituminous binders and changes associated with ageing and recycling. The technique supports identification and comparison of functional groups in virgin, aged and recycled binder systems.

Dynamic Shear Rheometer with Chiller – Anton Paar MCR 702e

Dynamic Shear Rheometer – Anton Paar MCR 502

High-Shear Mixer – Silverson

The high-shear mixer is used for controlled preparation of binder blends containing aged and virgin binders, recycling agents and modifiers. It enables reproducible preparation of materials for subsequent chemical and rheological characterisation.