IP 460 Part 2: Bitumen and bituminous binders - Determination of the resistance to hardening under influence of heat and air - Part 2: TFOT method

This part of EN 12607 specifies a method for measuring the combined effects of heat and air on a film of bitumen or bituminous binder, simulating the hardening which most bituminous binders undergo during mixing in an asphalt mixing plant. The method is suitable for other bituminous binders than paving grade bitumen, but the reference temperature might give excessive hardening that does not resemble real conditions during mixing at the plant. The method may not represent the hardening that occurs during mixing of warm mix binders.

Additionally, this part of EN 12607 specifies a method for the determination of the change in mass of oxidized bitumens and hard industrial bitumens after heating. The method is used to detect volatile components.

The method is referred to as TFOT, i.e. Thin Film Oven Test.