![]() ![]() In the case of non-ionic, there is no charge. In the case of anionic emulsifying agents, the electrochemical charge is negative, while for cationic emulsifiers, the charge is positive. There are 3 types of charges: anionic, cationic and non-ionic. These surfactants are classified by their electrochemical charge. It is a representation of one bitumen droplet surrounded by an emulsifying agent and suspended in water.įurthermore, emulsifiers are also known as chemical surface-active agents. Above is a simplified asphalt emulsion model. The result is a bitumen particle repelling others and remaining suspended in the water solution. Consequently, the ionic charge of the emulsifying agent surrounds the asphalt droplets. They have an electrically charged head soluble in water and a hydrocarbon tail soluble in the liquid bitumen. Another interchangeable term for emulsifier is surfactant. The emulsifier is a chemical surface-active agent and formed of large molecules. What is an Emulsifying Agent and What Purpose does an Emulsifier have in an Asphalt Emulsion? These are common examples of emulsions we use every day. If imagining a bitumen emulsion is hard, think of paint and shampoo. 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. It all depends on how the emulsion will be used and what is the desired breaking speed. a combination of both above-mentioned options.by chemical destabilization of the emulsifying agent,.upon contact with aggregates (sand, filler, stones, etc.…) when mixing, orĪlso, bitumen emulsions can break in 3 different ways:.This industry jargon describes the process in which water separates from bitumen after the asphalt emulsion is applied or mixed. The “breaking” is the unifying factor of all asphalt emulsions. 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. Thus, this mixture has bitumen droplets suspended in water with the aid of an emulsifier. The Definition of Bitumen EmulsionĪn asphalt emulsion is mainly a stable mixture of asphalt cement, water and an emulsifying agent. By dissolving asphalt in water, a bitumen emulsion is created. So, the most cost-effective, environmental-friendly and worker-safe option is emulsifying the asphalt in water. 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. However, for different reasons not all of these options are viable. To make asphalt malleable and versatile, bitumen can be heated, dissolved in fuel oils or emulsified in water. 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.Īt 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. The term bitumen is commonly known as “asphalt cement” or “asphalt” in North America. Happy learning! What is Bitumen?įirst, some terminology. So, feel free to read the whole article or skip to the sections that interest you most. What is the Difference between Cationic and Anionic Emulsions?Įach section is mostly self-contained.How are Anionic Bitumen Emulsions Classified?.Who is Responsible for the Classification of Bitumen Emulsions?.What is the Manufacturing Process of Asphalt Emulsions?.What are the Main Components of a Bitumen Emulsion?.Example of Products that are Anionic Bitumen Emulsifiers. ![]() ![]() What is an Emulsifying Agent and What Purpose does an Emulsifier have in an Asphalt Emulsion?.In this post introducing bitumen emulsions, the following questions and statements will be covered: However, “bitumen emulsions” or its interchangeable countertype, “asphalt emulsions,” has many other meanings than just road paving. What do you think of when you hear the word “asphalt”? For most people, it is a brand-new road. ![]()
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