5.1 This test method is intended primarily as a laboratory diagnostic tool for estimating the colloidal stability of bitumen asphalt, asphalt cross blends, aged asphalt, and heavy oil residuum. Historically, bituminous asphalt and heavy oil residua have been modeled as colloidal suspensions in which a polar associated asphaltene moiety (the dispersed phase) is suspended in a maltene solvent moiety (the dispersing medium) (refer to Test Methods D3279, D4124, and D5546 for further definition of asphalt fraction materials). The extent to which these two moieties remain in state of peptization is a measure of the compatibility (colloidal stability) of the suspension. Compatibility influences the physical properties of these materials, including rheological properties, for example, phase angle and viscosity. This test method and other similar test methods, along with the classical Heithaus test, measures the overall compatibility of a colloidal system by determining a parameter referred to as the state of peptization, P. The value of P commonly varies between 2.5 to 10 for unmodified or neat asphalts. Materials calculated to have low values of P are designated incompatible. Materials calculated to have high P values are designated compatible. Values in P are calculated as a function of two parameters that relate to the peptizability of the asphaltene moiety (the asphaltene peptizability parameter, p_a) and the solvent power of the maltene moiety (the maltene peptizing power parameter, p_o). Values of p_a and p_o are calculated as functions of the quantities C_min and FR_max. Values of C_min and FR_max are determined from experimental variables, the weight of asphalt (W_a), the volume of solvent (V_S) to dissolve the weight of asphalt, and the volume of titrant (V_T) added to initiate flocculation.

1.1 This test method describes a procedure for quantifying three Heithaus compatibility parameters that quantify the colloidal stability of asphalts and asphalt cross blends and aged asphalts.

1.2 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.