Emulsion bitumen

Emulsion bitumen is an eco-friendly, easy-to-apply solution for road construction and waterproofing. It offers great durability, adhesion, and efficiency, making it perfect for both one-time and ongoing projects.

What is Emulsion bitumen?

Emulsion Bitumen is a liquid, low-viscosity form of bitumen made by dispersing bitumen in water with an emulsifying agent. It’s widely used in road maintenance, waterproofing, and surface treatments due to its easy handling, lower application temperatures, and environmental benefits.

Unlike traditional bitumen, it doesn’t need heating before use, saving energy and improving safety. Accounting for around 20% of global bitumen consumption, bitumen emulsions are evolving with advancements in chemistry and production techniques.

Their versatility and efficiency make them indispensable in modern road construction and maintenance.

Difference between bitumen and bitumen emulsion

Bitumen emulsion is a chemical combination of bitumen, water, and an emulsifying agent. This liquefied bitumen (Emulsion Bitumen) is more efficient than ordinary bitumen for road construction, particularly at a lower temperature.

Another difference between bitumen and bitumen emulsion is that with a lower viscosity in comparison to ordinary bitumen, this type of binder doesn’t need to be heated before being applied to the surface. After the application of Emulsion Bitumen, the water releases, and the bitumen mix starts to set.

Emulsified bitumen is a low-temperature method that reduces emissions and energy use. Building a road with cold-mix bitumen uses about half the energy of hot-mix bitumen.

Emulsion bitumen formula

Emulsion Bitumen consists of three key components: water, bitumen, and an emulsifier. The emulsifier stabilizes the dispersion of bitumen particles in water, allowing them to remain suspended.

During production, water and emulsifying agents are combined with bitumen in a colloid mill, breaking the bitumen into fine droplets. This mixture is then stored for applications like tack coats, prime coats, and chip seals.

The formula for emulsion-bitumen depends on its type and purpose, but a typical composition includes:

Component	Proportion by Weight	Function
Bitumen	40-70%	Acts as the primary binder for construction and paving.
Water	30-60%	Serves as the medium in which bitumen is emulsified.
Emulsifier	0.1-2%	Stabilizes the bitumen particles in water, preventing separation.
Additives (optional)	0.1-2%	Includes stabilizers, pH modifiers, or polymers to enhance performance.
Acid/Base Adjuster	–	Controls pH levels during the emulsification process for optimal stability.

Emulsion bitumen production

The Emulsion Bitumen Manufacturing Process involves a step-by-step process.

Firstly, hot bitumen is mixed with water containing emulsifying agents. These agents play a crucial role in stabilizing the mixture by reducing the interfacial tension between bitumen and water.

Secondly, mechanical energy is applied to break the bitumen into fine droplets. This step is influenced by the viscosity of the bitumen at emulsification temperature and the strength of internal cohesion.

Lastly, the emulsifier, usually dissolved in the water phase to create a “soap” solution, is combined with the hot bitumen in a colloid mill. This ensures the formation of a stable emulsion with uniform droplets, ready for use in road construction and other applications.

This systematic approach optimizes the emulsion’s properties, enhancing its performance and versatility.

Bitumen emulsion types

Emulsion Bitumen is widely used in road construction and maintenance. They are categorized based on the charge of bitumen droplets (Cationic, Anionic, and Non-Ionic) and their setting times (Rapid, Medium, and Slow Settings).

Types of Emulsion Bitumen:

Type	Charge	Description
Cationic Emulsion	Positive Charge	Excellent adhesion, especially in damp conditions.
Anionic Emulsion	Negative Charge	Typically used with aggregates like marble.
Non-Ionic Emulsion	Neutral Charge	Rarely used in road construction, applied in specialized technological fields.
Clay-Stabilized Emulsion	–	Uses clay or bentonite as an emulsifier.

Cationic emulsions break faster due to the attraction between positively charged bitumen droplets and negatively charged surfaces. Slow-setting emulsions provide more stability and extended workability, making the right emulsion choice key for road construction and maintenance.

Bitumen emulsion grades

Bitumen emulsions are typically classified into different grades based on their setting time (how quickly they break and adhere to the surface) and the charge of the bitumen droplets (whether they are positively or negatively charged).

Here’s a chart summarizing the different types of bitumen emulsions and their applications:

Type	CRS	CMS	CSS	K1-60	RS	MS	SS
Charge	Cationic	Cationic	Cationic	Cationic	Anionic	Anionic	Anionic
Setting Time	Rapid Setting	Medium Setting	Slow Setting	Rapid Setting	Rapid Setting	Medium Setting	Slow Setting

 

Emulsion bitumen specifications are unique based on their grades which make it suitable for various applications in road construction, maintenance, and industrial uses. Below is a detailed description of the main grades of emulsion bitumen and their typical applications.

RS-1 Bitumen Emulsion

RS-1 is an anionic bitumen emulsion with rapid setting and low viscosity. It is commonly used in protective asphalt applications, including one or multiple-layer seal coats and sand seals.

RS-2 Bitumen Emulsion

RS-2 is an anionic bitumen emulsion with a rapid setting time and higher viscosity than RS-1. It’s ideal for seal coats, sand seals, and advanced techniques like sandwich and cape seals.

MS-1 Bitumen Emulsion

MS-1 is an anionic bitumen emulsion with a medium setting time. It is primarily used in protective asphalt applications, such as sand seals. When diluted, MS-1 is also suitable for coating applications, including fog seals and tack coats.

MS-2 Bitumen Emulsion

MS-2 is an anionic bitumen emulsion with a medium setting time and a higher viscosity than MS-1. It is commonly applied in bitumen coatings that do not include stone materials, such as prime coats.

SS-1 Bitumen Emulsion

SS-1 is a slow-setting anionic bitumen with low viscosity, and SS-1h is a harder version. Both are used in micro surfacing to protect asphalt and in applications like fog seals, prime coats, and tack coats.

CRS-1 Bitumen Emulsion

CRS-1 is a cationic rapid-setting emulsion used as a tack coat on clay and sandy soils, bonding the bitumen droplets to the soil for strong adhesion and stability.

CRS-2 Bitumen Emulsion

CRS-2 is a cationic rapid-setting bitumen emulsion with a higher viscosity than CRS-1. It is used to protect asphalt through applications like single and multiple-layer seal coats, sand seals, sandwich seals, and cape seals.

CSS-1 Bitumen Emulsion

CSS1 is a cationic slow-setting bitumen emulsion, with 40% water and 60% bitumen. It is used for applications like prime coats, seal coats, slurry seals, fog seals, and pipeline coatings.

CSS-1h Bitumen Emulsion

CSS-1h is a harder version of CSS-1, used in slurry seal applications. It involves mixing bitumen emulsion with rounded sand to create a thin layer that protects asphalt from erosion. Both CSS-1 and CSS-1h are suitable for surface coatings like fog seals, prime coats, and tack coats.

K1-60 Bitumen Emulsion

K1-60 is a cationic rapid-setting emulsion bitumen with approximately 57% bitumen content. It is mainly used for tack coats and surface treatments, including single and multiple surface treatments, as well as sand seals. The rest of the emulsion consists of water, cationic emulsifiers, and additives.

Bitumen emulsion applications

Bitumen emulsion uses were for spray applications in the early 20th century, and are now widely employed in road construction and maintenance, including tack coats, chip seals, slurry seals, and micro surfacing.

Application	Emulsion Type	Description
Tack Coat	CRS-1, CRS-2	Bonds asphalt layers, enhances strength and fatigue resistance. Applied at 10-15°C.
Chip Seals	CRS-1, CRS-2	Renews and waterproofs roads, and protects from oxidation and aging, typically on low-traffic roads.
Slurry Seals	CRS-2, CSS-1, CSS-1h	Creates uniform texture on roads, and seals and reduces oxidation, without increasing strength.
Micro Surfacing	Polymer-modified emulsions	Enhances durability with dense-graded aggregates, applied on-site using specialized machinery.

Emulsion bitumen price

Bitumen emulsion selection depends on emulsion-aggregate reactivity and environmental conditions. Higher temperatures require slower-setting emulsions. Global production has grown to 8 million tons annually, led by the U.S., France, Mexico, and Brazil.

Emulsion Bitumen prices vary by supplier and grade. On Alibaba, bitumen 60/70 costs $310–$450 per metric ton (min. 27 tons), while smaller quantities range from $580–$680 for 20 kg.

Infinity Galaxy offers grades like CSS1 at $554 per ton and K1-60 at $528 per ton (FOB Middle East). In the UK, Complete Construction Products prices start at £21.75 for 5–25L, and RMS offers 25–200L containers from £128.99. Contact suppliers for precise quotes, as emulsion bitumen cost vary with grade, quantity, and location.

Why Kiapetro?

At Kiapetro, we provide high-quality emulsion bitumen that’s perfect for all your roadwork and construction needs. Whether it’s a one-off order or a regular supply, we’ve got you covered with top-notch products, reliable delivery, and flexible payment options.

Our emulsions are cost-effective, easy to apply, and meet international standards, ensuring smooth and long-lasting results.

FAQ

1. Is emulsion-bitumen safe to use?

It’s safe if used correctly. Gloves and goggles are recommended.

2. Can emulsion-bitumen be stored?

Emulsion bitumen can be stored long-term if kept at proper temperatures.

3. What is the shelf life of Bitumen emulsion?

Emulsion bitumen lasts 12 months; re-emulsification may be needed afterward.