Abstract
Asphaltenes, the high molecular weight component of crude oil is in reality a very complex mixture of compounds which exist in petroleum as a colloidal dispersion. Evidence presented here, together with information in the literature, suggest that these colloidal particles are a mixture of saturated, aromatic, resin, and asphaltene compounds. Presumably saturated and aromatic compounds are adsorbed (or absorbed) on the periphery of the particles due to the interfacial tension effect. As the center of the particle is approached, resins, polar compounds and asphaltenes are encountered. Analysis of the results suggests strongly that the core of the particle is insoluble (solubility <0.5 g L−1) in all solvents which dissolve the asphaltenes.
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Acevedo, S., Ranaudo, M.A., Escobar, G., Gutiérrez, L.B., Gutiérrez, X. (1995). A Unified View of the Colloidal Nature of Asphaltenes. In: Sheu, E.Y., Mullins, O.C. (eds) Asphaltenes. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4757-9293-5_4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4757-9293-5_4
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