Other Names:
Bitumen Emulsion, Emulsion Asphalt, Liquid Bitumen, Cold Mix Bitumen, Cationic Bitumen Emulsion, Anionic Bitumen Emulsion
Specification Summary
- Purity: 55–70% bitumen by weight (depending on grade)
- Form: Stable, low-viscosity liquid suspension
- CAS No.: 8052-42-4 (bitumen base)
- Molecular Formula: Complex mixture, primarily hydrocarbons (C₅₀–C₇₀) dispersed in water
- Molecular Weight: ~600–1,500 g/mol (varies with bitumen source and emulsion formulation)
Product Description
Emulsified bitumen is a dark brown to black, low-viscosity liquid composed of fine bitumen droplets suspended in water with the aid of emulsifying agents. It is non-corrosive, neutral to mildly alkaline or acidic depending on the emulsifier, and insoluble in water after setting. The emulsion remains stable during storage, easily handled at ambient temperatures, and requires no heating for application. Once applied, the water evaporates, leaving a cohesive bitumen film with strong adhesive and waterproofing qualities. Emulsified bitumen is environmentally friendly, safer to handle than hot bitumen, and offers excellent workability for a wide range of construction and maintenance applications.
Emulsified Bitumen Specification Table
| Property | Typical Value / Range | Test Method |
| Bitumen Content | 55–70% | ASTM D6997 |
| Appearance | Brown to black, fluid emulsion | Visual |
| Viscosity at 50°C (Saybolt Furol) | 20–100 s (grade-dependent) | ASTM D7496 |
| pH | 2–7 (cationic/anionic) | ASTM E70 |
| Storage Stability (24h) | ≤1% | ASTM D6930 |
| Sieve Test | ≤0.1% | ASTM D6933 |
| Residue by Distillation | ≥55–67% | ASTM D6997 |
| Penetration @ 25°C (residue) | 60–250 dmm | ASTM D5 |
| Ductility @ 25°C (residue) | ≥20 cm | ASTM D113 |
| Solubility in TCE (residue) | ≥97.5% | ASTM D2042 |
| Particle Charge | Positive (cationic) / Negative (anionic) | ASTM D244 |
| Oil Distillate | ≤4% | ASTM D6997 |
Downloadable TDS:
A comprehensive Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is available for download, providing detailed specifications, handling, and safety information.
Application Sectors and Industries of Emulsified Bitumen
Road Construction and Surfacing
Emulsified bitumen is widely used for surface dressing, tack coats, and slurry seals in road construction. Its cold application enhances safety, reduces energy consumption, and ensures even coverage for improved skid resistance and waterproofing.
Road Maintenance and Patching
Ideal for pothole repairs, crack sealing, and patching, emulsified bitumen provides rapid adhesion and cures quickly, minimizing traffic disruption and extending pavement life.
Prime and Tack Coats
Applied as a bonding agent between pavement layers, emulsified bitumen ensures optimal adhesion and prevents delamination, critical for the structural integrity of flexible pavements.
Cold Mix Asphalt Production
Emulsified bitumen enables the manufacture of cold mix asphalt, allowing for road works in remote areas or cold climates where hot mix is impractical. This approach reduces fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Micro-Surfacing and Slurry Seal
Used in micro-surfacing and slurry seal treatments, emulsified bitumen rejuvenates aging pavements, fills minor cracks, and restores surface texture, thereby increasing road safety and durability.
Dust Control and Soil Stabilization
Emulsified bitumen is sprayed on unpaved roads and construction sites to bind dust particles and stabilize soil, improving air quality and reducing maintenance costs.
Waterproofing and Damp Proofing
In construction, emulsified bitumen serves as a liquid-applied waterproofing membrane for foundations, basements, and retaining walls, protecting structures from moisture ingress.
Roofing and Building Protection
Emulsified bitumen is used in roofing membranes and protective coatings, offering excellent weather resistance, flexibility, and long-term durability for commercial and residential buildings.
Hydraulic Engineering
Applied in canal linings, dam facings, and reservoir waterproofing, emulsified bitumen provides an effective barrier against water seepage and erosion.
Industrial Flooring and Pavement
Emulsified bitumen is used as a binder in industrial flooring systems and heavy-duty pavements, offering resistance to chemicals, abrasion, and thermal cycling.
Packaging Types
- Steel Drums (200 kg):Robust, sealed containers suitable for safe storage and transport of emulsified bitumen, commonly used for export and project-based supply.
- IBC Tanks (1,000 liters):Intermediate Bulk Containers provide large-volume, stackable storage with easy dispensing, ideal for contractors and bulk users.
- Flexi Tanks:Flexible, high-capacity tanks designed for efficient shipping of liquid bitumen emulsions in standard shipping containers.
- Reconditioned Drums:Cost-effective, environmentally friendly option for smaller quantities, reused and thoroughly cleaned for safe handling.
- Bulk Tankers:Insulated road tankers for direct delivery to large construction sites, ensuring product integrity and minimizing handling.
Emulsified bitumen’s versatility, safety, and environmental benefits make it a preferred choice for modern infrastructure projects, from highways to waterproofing systems. For detailed technical, handling, and safety information, please refer to the downloadable Technical Data Sheet (TDS).
