Super high molecular weight (SHMW) asphaltenes aggregates, hereafter called asphaltenes clusters, have been observed for the first-time using gel permeation chromatography with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (GPC-IPC HR MS). Presumably, these clusters are composed of nanoaggregates joined by physical interactions such as polar and dispersion forces. These clusters were observed for two asphaltenes samples (Hamaca and Cerro Negro) and in their corresponding sub-fractions, A1 (insoluble in toluene) and A2 (soluble in toluene). Under the present conditions, dilution experiments showed no significant change of these profiles suggesting that these clusters, as well as the other lower molecular weight (LMW) aggregates and molecules, are not in equilibrium with each other and behave as independent units. This is supported by the presence of trapped compounds within asphaltenes (TC) which are released after the p-nitrophenol treatment.

CLUSTERS DE SUPER ALTO PESO MOLECULAR EN SOLUCIONES DE ASFALTENOS Y SUS SUB-FRACCIONES A1 Y A2

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