Crde oils contain a variety of components-including asphaltenes-that can adsorb onto mineral surfaces and alter wetting. What distinguishes the asphaltenes from other constituents of an oil is their tendency to aggregate and even separate from the oil in response to changes in oil solvency. Because they change in size, asphaltenes can be viewed as both macromolecules and colloids. Their influence on wettability can change with this shift form molecular to colloidal regimes. As macromolecules, asphaltenes and other crude oil components With polar functionality can adsorb on mineral surfaces.
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