nanoscale infrared spectrometer

• Subject Area: Construction Engineering and Architecture
• Term: Funded in 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 553957315

It is intended to acquire a nanoscale infrared spectrometer for coupled spectroscopic and microscopic material analyses in the laboratory. This is an atomic force microscope (AFM) which can be used to scan the topographical profile of a sample with a resolution of a few nanometres. The AFM is coupled with an infrared laser, where the absorption of certain wavelengths enables a spatially resolved infrared chemical signal. This coupled test method is referred to by experts as nano-IR, AFM-IR or PiFM (photo-induced force microscopy). Nanoscale infrared spectroscopy is to be used for material analyses of bituminous binders. Bitumen is the adhesive for asphalt, the world's most important building material for transport infrastructure. There are also numerous other applications for bitumen, such as roofing mem-branes or sealants. The spatially resolved chemical analysis is intended to provide a new understanding of the complex surface microstructure of bituminous binders. Not only pure bitumen samples but also mastic samples (filler-bitumen composite) and polished or sliced asphalt samples are analysed. At the same time, the influence of various material effects on the chemical surface microstructure is analysed: - Influence of ageing (short-term ageing, long-term ageing, laboratory ageing), - Influence of bitumen modification (including polymers, adhesion promoters, asphalt recy-cling agents/rejuvenators, waxes, rubber), - Behaviour in the reuse of reclaimed bitumen and in asphalt recycling (e.g. mixture of fresh binder and reclaimed binder, effect of an asphalt recycling agent/rejuvenator), - Influence of temperature reduction of asphalt, - Binder interaction with mineral components (including adhesion, absorption of light bitumen components, double coating). The use of nanoscale infrared spectroscopy provides an essential basis for the sustainable further development of asphalt as a road construction material (e.g. saving or avoiding the use of fresh bitumen).

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: Nanoskaliges Infrarotspektrometer
• Instrumentation Group: 5091 Rasterkraft-Mikroskope
• Applicant Institution: Technische Universität Braunschweig
• Leader: Dr.-Ing. Johannes Büchner