SARA is an analysis method that devides bitumen components according to their polarizability and polarity.

SARA, weight in %

• Asphaltenes
• Resins
• Aromatics
• Saturates

SARA

Saturates

or in other words saturated hydrocarbons or alkanes or paraffins are present with 5–15 weight-%. Examples: Ethane, Butane, Propane

Aromates

or aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are presentwith up to 30–45 %. Example: Benzene and multipe combinations hereof

Resin

or hydrocarbon resins as they are used in varnishes and adhesives are present with 30–45 % and function as stabiliser for the asphaltenes. Examples: Polyurethane und other resins

Asphaltenes

Asphaltenes again are a very complex moleculare structure by itself of Carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, sulphur, vanadium and nickel. Through their structural network they serve as a kind of reinforcement and strongly influence the viscosity. They are present with 5–20 %.