Influence of Asphaltene Polarity on Crystallization and Gelation of Waxy Oils

We report for the first time the results from a systematic investigation of how asphaltenes of different polarity affect crystallization and gelation of waxy oils. The more polar asphaltenes were found to be more aromatic in nature and more highly self-aggregated in the solvent. The presence of less polar asphaltenes in the waxy oil reduced the wax appearance temperature and wax precipitation to a greater degree compared to more polar asphaltenes, which was mainly attributed to the difference in the aggregation state of asphaltenes of different polarity. Reducing the polarity of asphaltenes present in the oil also resulted in a lower gelation temperature, lower storage modulus, and lower yield stress, which was probably because the less polar asphaltenes were more similar to wax on the molecular level and, thus, more readily interacting with wax. Notably, a 99% reduction in the yield stress was observed upon the addition of the least polar asphaltenes examined in the present work, in contrast to the 62% yield stress reduction upon the addition of the most polar asphaltenes. This observation may be of industrial significance because it suggests that the crude oil containing less polar asphaltenes may form a softer gel or deposit that is more easily broken or removed. Microscopic analysis showed that the wax crystals precipitated in the presence of less polar asphaltenes have a smaller aspect ratio.