Anionic Bitumen Emulsifying AgentsLearn More

An Introduction to Bitumen Emulsions

Posted Startco
Image of a highway paved with asphalt. The asphalt is new, since it is very black. The road keeps going into the distance against a pink and orange sunset.

What do you think of when you hear the word “asphalt”? For most people, it is a brand-new road. However, “bitumen emulsions” or its interchangeable countertype, “asphalt emulsions,” has many other meanings than just road paving. In this post introducing bitumen emulsions, the following questions and statements will be covered:

 

Each section is mostly self-contained. So, feel free to read the whole article or skip to the sections that interest you most. Happy learning!

What is Bitumen?

First, some terminology. The term bitumen is commonly known as “asphalt cement” or “asphalt” in North America. While in other parts of the world, the road paving mixture of sand, stones of various sizes, filler and bitumen is known as “asphalt.” For the purposes of this post, the terms will be used interchangeably.

At ambient temperatures, bitumen is a stable, semi-solid substance and in order to make a beautiful highway like the one displayed above, it has to be applied in an aqueous state. To make asphalt malleable and versatile, bitumen can be heated, dissolved in fuel oils or emulsified in water. However, for different reasons not all of these options are viable. Heating asphalt is expensive and dissolving it in kerosene, gasoline or the like results in pollution from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and possible occupational hazards. So, the most cost-effective, environmental-friendly and worker-safe option is emulsifying the asphalt in water. By dissolving asphalt in water, a bitumen emulsion is created.

The Definition of Bitumen Emulsion

An asphalt emulsion is mainly a stable mixture of asphalt cement, water and an emulsifying agent. Thus, this mixture has bitumen droplets suspended in water with the aid of an emulsifier. The aqueous solution can be pumped into tanks for storage, mixed with aggregates to be applied to pavement, and can be used in several different ways.

The “breaking” is the unifying factor of all asphalt emulsions. This industry jargon describes the process in which water separates from bitumen after the asphalt emulsion is applied or mixed. For example, emulsions break:

  • upon contact with aggregates (sand, filler, stones, etc.…) when mixing, or
  • when sprayed onto a surface.

 

Also, bitumen emulsions can break in 3 different ways:

  • by chemical destabilization of the emulsifying agent,
  • simple evaporation of water, or
  • a combination of both above-mentioned options.

 

It all depends on how the emulsion will be used and what is the desired breaking speed. Consequently, after the asphalt emulsion breaks and cures, the bitumen residue has the same durability, adhesion, and water-resistance properties of the original base asphalt.

If imagining a bitumen emulsion is hard, think of paint and shampoo. These are common examples of emulsions we use every day.

What is an Emulsifying Agent and What Purpose does an Emulsifier have in an Asphalt Emulsion?

The emulsifier is a chemical surface-active agent and formed of large molecules. Another interchangeable term for emulsifier is surfactant. These soap molecules are like tadpoles. They have an electrically charged head soluble in water and a hydrocarbon tail soluble in the liquid bitumen. Consequently, the ionic charge of the emulsifying agent surrounds the asphalt droplets. The result is a bitumen particle repelling others and remaining suspended in the water solution.

The image is a simplified asphalt emulsion model. It demonstrates how the emulsifier and the asphalt droplet work together. The image has one asphalt droplet surrounded by a tadpole-like substance, which is the emulsifier, suspended in water.
Above is a simplified asphalt emulsion model. It is a representation of one bitumen droplet surrounded by an emulsifying agent and suspended in water.

Furthermore, emulsifiers are also known as chemical surface-active agents. These surfactants are classified by their electrochemical charge. There are 3 types of charges: anionic, cationic and non-ionic. In the case of anionic emulsifying agents, the electrochemical charge is negative, while for cationic emulsifiers, the charge is positive. In the case of non-ionic, there is no charge. All three types are surfactants and in their own way, give stability to the bitumen emulsion by not allowing the asphalt to separate from the water in the solution.

For instance, by mixing an anionic bitumen emulsifying agent with water and asphalt, the anionic surfactant will give a negative charge to all the bitumen particles. Since opposite charges attract and same charges repel, all of the negatively charged droplets repel each other and remain suspended as distinct asphalt droplets in the solution. The same is true for cationic emulsifiers. The only difference is that cationic emulsions have imparted positive charges to all asphalt particles. An anionic emulsifier is highlight below as an example.

The image is an illustration of a simplified anionic asphalt emulsion model. It demonstrates how the anionic emulsifier and the asphalt droplet work together. The image has one asphalt droplet surrounded by tadpole-like substance, which is the anionic emulsifier, in water. The anionic emulsifier has a negative charge.
Above is a simplified anionic asphalt emulsion model. The diagram displays the nature of one bitumen droplet surrounded by an anionic emulsifying agent while suspended in water.

Examples of Products that are Anionic Bitumen Emulsifiers

Within Polytrade’s portfolio there are two powerful anionic bitumen emulsifying agents, such as Carbofen Gold, and Emulsifen G5000. As anionic surfactants, these products keep the asphalt droplets of microscopic size suspended in water. As a result, high quality and stable anionic emulsions can be manufactured with these eco-friendly products. The SS bitumen emulsions made with Carbofen Gold and Emulsifen G5000 are used in the production of:

  • waterproofing and roofing products for several commercial and residential sites, as well as
  • road surface binders, such as slurry seals, tack coats and many more.

 

The image has a title "Applications of Polytrade's Anionic Bitumen Emulsifiers" and two subtitles with images representing the applications. On the left, "Road Surface Binders" and on the right, "Waterproofing." To represent the application of road surface binders, there is an aeral image of a road being constructed, while the waterproofing image displays a paint roller drenched with a dark liquid, which is the waterproofing product. This roller is painting a roof.
Polytrade has two powerful anionic emulsifying agents, Carbofen Gold and Emulsifen G5000. Road surface binder applications and waterproofing products have these eco-friendly products in their formulations.

What are the Main Components of a Bitumen Emulsion?

Since a bitumen emulsion is essentially asphalt particles suspended in water, there are 3 main components to this kind of emulsion:

  • Asphalt cement,
  • Water,
  • Emulsifying agent.

 

1) Asphalt Cement

The first and main element of bitumen emulsions is asphalt cement. Usually, 50 to 75% of the total emulsion consists of asphalt cement. Thus, it is not a surprise that some of its particular characteristics significantly affect the finished bitumen emulsion, which also have an impact on the efficiency of the base asphalt after application. For instance, the type of asphalt cement has an effect on the initial waterproofing ability of the pavement when applied to a road. However, there is no exact correlation between the potential to emulsify the asphalt cement and its properties, so trial and laboratory testing is essential to find the ideal mix for the desired application.

2) Water

The second component of bitumen emulsions is water. However, it is not normal drinking water. Conventional water used for consumption may not be suitable for asphalt emulsions, because minerals or other materials in the water can react with the properties of the asphalt cement and the emulsifier, resulting in an adverse reaction to the stability of the bitumen emulsion. Consequently, the expert recommendation to produce asphalt emulsions is using distilled water with a neutral pH.

3) Emulsifying Agent

The third component of a bitumen emulsion is the emulsifying agent. The product (or products) used as emulsifiers significantly impacts the properties of an asphalt emulsion. Not only does an emulsifying agent keep bitumen droplets suspended in water and determines its breaking time, the chemical compatibility of the asphalt cement with the emulsifier is also vital for creating a stable emulsion. Consequently, the chemical type and quantity of the surfactant used in the manufacturing process of the bitumen emulsion determine whether it is cationic, anionic or non-ionic and what applications the emulsion can be used for.

Finally, asphalt emulsion formulations can have other components added to enhance its properties. Some of these property-modifying materials are:

  • polymers,
  • latex, and
  • acids.

 

But in a nutshell, asphalt cement, water and at least one surfactant are the basic ingredients that compose a bitumen emulsion.

What is the Manufacturing Process of Asphalt Emulsions?

As seen in the section above, asphalt emulsions are composed of three main ingredients. At the same time, several components can be added to enhance the properties of the final application. These materials are all taken into account when making a specific type of bitumen emulsion. Below is a straightforward illustration summarizing the manufacturing process of asphalt emulsions. The model is generic and does not take into consideration the type and classification of all available emulsions.

Illustration of a batch bitumen emulsion plant with a colloid mill. This image displays in a simplified way the process in wich asphalt emulsions are manufactured. There are 2 input points, on the left is a recipient with bitumen and on the right, one with water. Both sides are heated to the correct temperatures and pumped into a colloid mill. In the colloid mill, the bitumen droplets are "cut" and the emulsifying agent added in the water phase suspends the individual droplets in water. Out comes a bitumen emulsion.
Above is an illustration of a batch bitumen emulsion plant. It displays a simplified version of the manufacturing process of asphalt emulsions using a colloid mill.

In order to suspend the asphalt cement in water, it has to be sheared into microscopic droplets ranging from 1 to 10 microns. This can be accomplished with the aid of a colloid mill or a rotor & stator. The process of shearing (or “cutting” bitumen) into microscopic particles happens in specialized plants that usually have a colloid mill to create these droplets that are smaller than the average 70 to 100 microns of thickness of a human hair.

Consequently, a bitumen emulsion is prepared by separately metering the heated asphalt cement, water, surfactant and other components into a colloid mill at preset temperatures and rates. The size of the asphalt particles and the quantity of surfactant affects the physical and chemical properties of the finished emulsion. Thus, the most monitored aspects of the process are:

  • the temperature of the bitumen,
  • rates of component addition, and
  • timing of the blend.

 

How are Bitumen Emulsions Classified?

Asphalt emulsions are mainly identified by their charge and setting time. The most common charges are anionic, cationic or nonionic. And the usual setting times for emulsions are rapid, medium, slow or quick. But do not worry! These characteristics will be described in more detail in the next sections. The main idea here is to understand the most common set of prefixes and suffixes used to organize and categorize emulsions.

Other than charge and breaking time, bitumen emulsions are classified by asphalt penetration ranges, modification with special additives, their viscosity and storage temperatures. Below are two tables displaying some of the most common prefixes and suffixes in the industry.

The following table is displaying the most common prefixes used in the industry to identify the different types of asphalt emulsions. Bitumen emulsions are classified by their set and their charge. The different charges are anionic, cationic and non-ionic. Their set can vary as rapid, medium, slow or quick setting times.
The table above contains the commonly used prefixes utilized to classify bitumen emulsions in the business. Different prefixes mean different types of emulsions, classifying bitumen emulsions by their set and charge.

 

In the table here displayed, it summarizes some of the most common suffixes used in the business. These short and useful suffixes are valuable in quickly and efficiently identifying the properties of asphalt emulsions, since they are mostly black to dar brown in color.
The table above contains the commonly used suffixes utilized to classify bitumen emulsions in the business. Most asphalt emulsions have a black or dark brown coloration. Thus, the suffix information is a valuable and easy way to quickly identify its properties.

Example of a Bitumen Emulsion Classification

What are SS-1 and SS-1H bitumen emulsions? The guidelines supplied above explain it all.

For example, the “SS” in SS-1 stands for slow set, which is the classification of breaking time of the emulsion. Next is the “1,” which represents the characteristic this particular emulsion has of low viscosity. Also, the information that SS-1 emulsions should be stored at cooler temperatures is reveled.

Lastly, the biggest difference between SS-1 and SS-1H emulsions is the “H.” According to our table above, this letter describes emulsions that have a hard penetration grade. Or in other words, these are bitumen that are harder to emulsify due to their natural “hardness.” The lower the number, the harder the pen grade, while higher values indicate softer bitumen.

This is a quick visual of how to identidy the different abbreviations of bitumen emulsions and how to identify the various characteristics they might have. This particular example summarizes how to identify and understand what SS-1 and SS-1H emulsions are.
The image is a quick visual of how to understand the classification of a SS-1 and SS-1H bitumen emulsions. The example above uses information supplied at the top of this section – How are Bitumen Emulsions Classified?

Who is Responsible for the Classification of Bitumen Emulsions?

In the US, two main institutions have standardized and defined how asphalt emulsions are classified, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). The vast majority of highway agencies have adopted the harmonized system ASTM and AASHTO have established. However, like every rule has an exception, there are some proprietary and/or local designations.

Worldwide, innumerous institutions are dedicated to standardizing how asphalt emulsions, pavements and derivatives are classified, identified, and tested. These foreign institutions look up to AASHTO and ASTM and adapt their findings to the local context. For example, in Brazil, the Brazilian Association of Technical Standards (free translation), or ABNT for short, is the organization that is responsible for standardizing testing and classifications for all types of materials. Like emulsions, they adapt quality standards set by the American institutions to the reality of Brazil.

How are Anionic Bitumen Emulsions Classified?

As discussed before, asphalt emulsions are classified by their charge, setting time, modification, viscosity and storage. Below is a table summarizing the most common types of anionic bitumen emulsions.

In the table here displayed, it summarizes some of the most common anionic bitumen classifications. There are few rapid set, RS, and slow set, SS, emulsions. To be exact, there are 2 of each displayed on the table. However, there are many, 7 to list a few, anionic bitumen emulsions in medium set, MS, classifications.
Above is a table displaying the most common anionic bitumen emulsions classifications. The majority of anionic bitumen emulsions are classified as medium set (MS).

The Charges of Asphalt Emulsions

There are three possible charges for a bitumen emulsion:

  • positive,
  • negative, or
  • neutral.

 

Thus, positively charged asphalt emulsions are identified as Cationic Emulsions. The negatively charged emulsions are classified as Anionic Emulsions. The third and less common group of asphalt emulsions is Nonionic, which have a neutral charge.

The importance of knowing the charge of a bitumen emulsion lies on its affinity to particular aggregates. Also, having knowledge of the charge is imperative in order to not mix positive and negative charges together. Since opposites attract, the emulsion would be useless if it sticks to itself instead of adhering to the aggregates during application.

The follwoing image is an infographic illustrating the charges of cationic and anionic emulsions. On the left, there is an illustation showing asphalt droplets being suspended in water due to the repelling properties of a positive charge in a cationic emulsion. On the right, there is an illustation showing bitumen droplets being suspended in water due to the repelling properties of a negative charge in an anionic emulsion.
The illustration above is representing the charges of bitumen emulsions. The left side of the image contains the positively charged asphalt particles in a cationic emulsion. The right side displays the negatively charged bitumen droplets suspended in an anionic emulsion.

What are the differences between Cationic and Anionic Emulsions?

There are three main differences between cationic and anionic emulsions. The first and most obvious feature is their charge. The second difference is their solubility in distinct systems. The last distinguishing characteristic is their resistance to certain materials.

The manufacturing process of different types of emulsions is distinctive. Thus, not all emulsions are the made the same way. Cationic bitumen emulsions are positively charged while anionic bitumen emulsions are negatively charged. Not only does the surfactant determine the charge of the emulsion, but its choice also impacts the reliability and efficiency of the final product.

Moreover, the types of materials that these emulsions dissolve in are also different. Due to their chemical makeup, anionic bitumen emulsions readily dissipate in high pH or alkaline detergents. On the other hand, they have a good resistance to acids. The opposite is true for cationic emulsions, which have a high tolerance for alkaline detergents and are susceptible to dissolving in acid solutions.

The Setting Times of Bitumen Emulsions

Setting time is a term used to describe the coalescing rate in which the emulsion will bond to its application – the aggregates in a pavement to form a highway, for instance. Most asphalt emulsions fall under one of the following terms for setting time:

  • Rapid set (RS),
  • Medium set (MS),
  • Slow set (SS),
  • Quick set (QS).

 

1) Rapid Set (RS)

Due to rapid setting emulsion’s characteristic of breaking fast, this category has little to no stability. Thus, RS bitumen emulsions are rarely used to mix aggregates. Instead, spray applications like sand and chip seals are the main utility for this type of asphalt emulsion.

2) Medium Set (MS)

The MS emulsions are the mixing grade emulsions. By design, medium set bitumen emulsions are formulated not to break immediately upon contact with graded aggregates. Also, depending on the formulation, this type of asphalt emulsion will continue to retain its workability for a few minutes to several months. Consequently, MS emulsions are valuable in:

  • cold recycling,
  • patch mixes,
  • both cold and warm aggregate mixes, and
  • other mixture applications.

 

3) Slow Set (SS)

They are called slow set because this type of emulsion is stable and takes the longest to break. Due to this characteristic, SS emulsions mix well with fine aggregates while still allowing for extended workability and maximum mixing time. The ultimate objective of this category of emulsions is dense aggregate mixing. Thus, SS emulsions have applications in:

  • slurry seals,
  • base stabilization,
  • soil stabilization
  • tack coats,
  • dust control and dust palliatives,
  • fog seals.

 

4) Quick Set (QS)

Like the name suggests, quick set emulsions set quickly, like RS emulsions. However, this category of asphalt emulsions is a special one, since very few emulsions fit its 3 criteria. Emulsions can only be classified as QS if:

  • they have a reactivity between MS and SS,
  • do not need to pass the cement mix test, and
  • used in quick-set slurry surfacing applications.

 

In addition to slurry seals, QS emulsions are designed for situations when a quick breaking time is needed to fix pavements while still minimizing closed traffic time, like micro-surfacing.

This is an illustration summarizing the types of setting times for bitumen emulsions. From left to right, there is rapid set (RS), medium set (MS) and slow set (SS). Generally speaking, the higher the dose of the emulsifying agent added to the bitumen emulsion, the slower is the setting time.
Above is an illustration representing in a simplified way, the 3 most common setting times of bitumen emulsions. Usually, the higher the dose of the emulsifying agent, the slower the setting time.

More Information and Resources about Asphalt Emulsions

Still foaming at the mouth for more information about bitumen emulsions? Here are some institutions to check out:

 

Enjoyed this Introductory Article?

Then you will enjoy the related blog posts below:

 

Published on 13-MAY-20. Last updated on 10-JUN-21.

Image has the following text "Let's Chat" and a Contact Us button."

1 thoughts on “An Introduction to Bitumen Emulsions”

Comments are closed.