Production of Bitumen Modified with Low-Molecular Organic Compounds from Petroleum Residues. 1. Effect of Solvent Nature on the Properties of Petroleum Residues Modified with Folmaldehyde

The possibility of petroleum residues (tar and oxidized bitumen) modification with formaldehyde (37 % aqueous solution) has been studied at the temperature of 393±3 K for 3 h in the presence of organic solvent and using hydrochloric acid as a catalyst. Toluene, p-xylene, naphta solvent and n-octane were used as the solvents in the amount of 0–40 wt % relative to the initial material. By means of IR spectroscopy the resin-like compounds affecting the operational properties of petroleum residues have been detected. These compounds are formed as a result of formaldehyde reaction with residue components and solvent molecules.