PAVEMENT MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION 18CV733
3.1 Introduction
An emulsion is an intimate mixture of two or more substances which normally do not mix
together. Bitumen emulsion consists of a dispersion of tiny globules (4 to 10 microns in
diameter) or bitumen in water, stabilized by the addition of an emulsifying agent.
The nature and quantity of the emulsifying agent controls the type and stability of the emulsion.
Emulsions are manufactured by forcing the required proportion of bitumen, water and
emulsifying agent into an homogenized, Where by the bitumen is broken up into the globules,
dispersed and held in suspension by the emulsifying agent. The bitumen content of an emulsion
can vary from 30% to 70% (usually 55-70%) by volume depending on the grade of emulsion
required.
Emulsions are used primarily on maintenance work, surface enrichment, dust laying processes,
slurry sealing, and in projects where weather conditions may prevent the use of hot
bitumen or cutbacks.
“Breaking” of an emulsion is the term applied when the bitumen globule suspension breaks
down resulting in complete separation of the bitumen and water components. Breaking
normally occurs on the pavement surface after spraying whereby the water from the emulsion
drains off or evaporates leaving behind a bitumen residue.
The surfaces of the suspended bitumen globules develop an ionic (electrical) charge. The type of
charge depends on the emulsifying agent employed. The type of charge depends on the
emulsifying agent employed. The presence of this charge is used to advantage to secure greater
adhesion of the bitumen to the aggregate.
The basic types of bitumen emulsion are available:-
• Anionic emulsions
• Cationic emulsions.
The two types of bitumen emulsion are incompatible and should not be mixed under any
circumstances otherwise premature breaking will occur. Some aggregates, particularly acidic
types such as granite and quartzite, develop a negative ionic surface charge when wetted. If a
cationic emulsion is used with such aggregate, the bitumen globules, which have a positive ionic
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PAVEMENT MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION 18CV733
surface charge, will be attracted electrochemically to the aggregate and a better bond will be
established between the bitumen and the aggregate.
Similarly other aggregates, such as limestone, can develop positive surface charges and under
these conditions an anionic emulsion containing bitumen globules with a negative ionic
surface charge is best used
3.2 Procedure for Field Preparation of Cut Back Bitumen
Paving Bitumen 80/100 is heated at 100° to 110°in a bitumen boiler. The required quantity of
distillate of specified type is taken in an empty drum. Hot bitumen from the boiler is added to the
drum. After closing the lid of the drum containing distillate and hot bitumen, it is rolled on the
ground to and fro till a uniform blend is obtained. The blend so prepared is transferred to a
storage tank. Sufficient quantity of cut back bitumen has to be prepared before undertaking the
road construction work. It may be ensured that the drum containing distillate is kept at a safe
distance from bitumen boiler equipment
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