Inverse gas chromatography (IGC) was used to characterize two bituminous binders (A and B) of different origin. Glass transition temperatures (T-g) were determined by constructing van't Hoff plots using n-pentane probes in a temperature range between -50 degreesC and +120 degreesC. T-g values were specified using the first deviations from linearity observed in the adsorption zone of the plots. A 6 degreesC difference in T-g was found between the two different specimens. Retention measurements using n-alkane probes, carried out at -30 degreesC, revealed a higher dispersive surface energy term (gamma(s)(D)) for bituminous binder A than for B, with values of 59.3 and 50.6 mJ/m(2), respectively. Binder A was composed of a higher asphaltenes content compared to binder B. This difference in chemical composition accounted for the different surface energy values.