Bitumen emulsions (emulsified asphalt) are composed of bitumen particles suspended in water by using a colloid mill to shear the asphalt in water with a surface active agent (variously called surfactant, chemical, soap or emulsifying agent) to stabilize the suspension. The coating of the bitumen particles by the emulsifier gives them an electrostatic charge. Depending on the type of emulsifier, this can generally be either negative or positive . Emulsions in which the bitumen droplets are negatively charged are called anionic emulsions. Emulsions in which the particles are positively charged are called cationic emulsions. Emulsifying the very viscous asphalt allows it to be easily pumped, transported and applied at ambient temperatures, making emulsions ideal for use at remote locations while saving energy and providing safer worker conditions. Because emulsions are water based, they are also eco-friendly when compared to hot mix asphalt, hot asphalt cement or asphalt cutbacks. Asphalt emulsion application techniques, including chip seals, slurry seals and cape seals,have been used for many years.
Bitumen emulsions are available according to EN13808 and Road Infrastructure Agency
C 60 B4 Cationic bitumen emulsion – slow setting
C 60 B2 Cationic bitumen emulsion – rapid setting
Polymer modified bitumen emulsion are composed of polymer modified bitumen suspended in water by using a specific installation to shear the polymer modified asphalt in water with a surface active agent (variously called surfactant, chemical, soap or emulsifying agent) to stabilize the suspension. The coating of the bitumen particles by the emulsifier gives them an electrostatic charge. Depending on the type of emulsifier, this can generally be either negative or positive . Emulsions in which the bitumen droplets are negatively charged are called anionic emulsions. Emulsions in which the particles are positively charged are called cationic emulsions. Emulsifying the very viscous asphalt allows it to be easily pumped, transported and applied at ambient temperatures, making emulsions ideal for use at remote locations.
Polymer modified bitumen emulsion are available according to EN13808 and Road Infrastructure Agency
C 60 BР4 Cationic polymer modified bitumen emulsion – slow setting