Bitumen Emulsion Definition, Types and Grade

Bitumen emulsion
August 24, 2021
22 minutes

Bitumen Emulsion

Bitumen emulsion is a liquefied type of  bitumen with a low viscosity.

By dispersing bitumen in water and adding an emulsifier, ordinary bitumen turns into a low viscosity liquid that can easily be used in a variety of applications, including repairing and maintaining roads, waterproofing, spraying, etc.

Emulsions make it easy to handle, store, transport, and apply bitumen at a lower temperature.

Since this type of bitumen is liquid, there is no need to heat it before application.

Moreover, applying bitumen emulsions using cold techniques reduces energy consumption and makes road construction environmentally friendlier.

Are you interested in learning more about bitumen emulsion? Follow this article.

What is Bitumen Emulsion Composition?

Bitumen emulsion is a combination of water and bitumen.

As the mixture of water and oily products quickly separate, a third component, known as emulsifier, is normally added to the mixture in order to make it more stable.

Generally speaking, the amount of bitumen in the bitumen emulsion is 55 to 65%, the amount of water 35 to 45 %, and the amount of emulsifiers should be a maximum 0.5% of bitumen emulsion’s weight.

Emulsifiers are used for making a mixture of water and oil dispersed in each other.

In addition to their ability to reduce the tension between oil and water molecules, emulsifiers have an electronic charge that affects the molecules of bitumen emulsion and leads to categorizing it into Cationic and Anionic.

Cationic emulsifiers, for example, form a layer of positive charge around the bitumen droplets that prevent them from joining each other.

This makes bitumen dispersion in water more durable.

The electronic charge of bitumen emulsion decides on what kind of surface it should be used.

Some aggregates (such as marble aggregates) mix well with anionic bitumen emulsion and some others are a better solution to cationic bitumen emulsion (such as granite aggregates).

Bitumen Emulsions Cationic and Anionic
The difference between cationic and anionic bitumen emulsions

You might be wondering :

How is Bitumen Emulsion Manufactured?

Bitumen emulsion is usually made using a colloid mill, which mixes bitumen with water and emulsifier. In this process, bitumen is milled into very small droplets that can easily suspend in the water.

When you buy bitumen emulsion, you need to be familiar with types and grades

With the addition of emulsifiers, bitumen droplets become more water friendly. Water droplets also move closer to the tiny bitumen droplets, ensuring that the final bituminous product is stable enough.

In the manufacturing process, many factors such as droplets’ size, chemical addition, and the temperature of various components are accurately controlled.

The resulting bitumen has a consistent structure that makes it unique for various applications.

Check out Our Article about Bitumen Production Process

Different Types of Bitumen Emulsion

Various emulsions are classified based on two main factors:

  • particles’ electrostatic charge
  • breaking or setting time

In an emulsion, if the particles’ charge is negative, the bitumen emulsion is called Anionic and introduces itself with the letter “A”. Otherwise, the bitumen is known as cationic and has the “C” letter.

The second grading system of bitumen emulsion is closely related to the application. When applied to a surface, bitumen emulsion must break and set.

Technically, breaking means the evaporation of water, which makes bitumen strong enough for sticking to aggregates and setting on the place of application.

The time that is needed for bitumen emulsion to lose water and behave like an ordinary bitumen, is called the reactivity rate.

This parameter determines whether the bitumen is rapid setting emulsion, medium setting emulsion, and slow setting emulsion.

When bitumen emulsion is applied to a surface, choosing the right setting type is crucial. As previously said, there exist three types of the bitumen based on the setting time.

The first one is rapid setting emulsion which sets quickly in contact with aggregates; therefore, it is highly used in low surface of roads, particularly chip seals and surface dressing.

The second type is medium setting emulsion which is used in premixing of bitumen emulsion and coarse aggregate, particularly open graded mixes.

The last one is slow setting emulsion which sets very slowly. That’s why it is suitable for being mixed with aggregates of high surface area.

Slow setting emulsion is the most stable type of emulsion and can be used in dense graded aggregate bases, slurry seals, and recycling asphalt.

Another factor that can affect the reactivity of bitumen emulsion is the temperature of the surface onto which it is applied.

In hot weather, evaporation of water can accelerate.  

Both cationic and anionic bitumen emulsions are categorized according to the setting time.

Look at the table below to find the various categories of bitumen emulsion and their globally standard names.

Bitumen Emulsion Types
Cationic EmulsionAnionic Emulsion
Rapid setting type (RS)CRS-1
CRS-2
CRS-1h
K1-60
K1-40
K1-70
RS-1
RS-2
Medium setting type (MS)CMS-1
CMS-2
CMS-2h
K2
K3
MS-1
MS-2
MS-2h
HFMS-1
HFMS-2
HFMS-2h
HFMS-2S  
Slow setting type (SS)CSS-1
CSS-1h
Modified CSS-1h
SS-1
SS-1h
Modified SS-1h


An Explanation of Bitumen Emulsion Prefixes and Suffixes

Several numbers and letters are used to describe the characteristics of the emulsions.

The number 1 or 2 indicates the viscosity of the emulsion, with the number 1 meaning lower viscosity and number 2 meaning higher viscosity.

The “h” indicates a harder base bitumen (lower penetration grade) like penetration grade 30/40. In contrast, the “s” indicates a softer base bitumen like penetration grade 80/100 that is suitable for mixing with sand aggregates. 

The HF prefix shows that the bitumen emulsion polymer emulsifying agent creates a gel structure in the bitumen residue.

The gel structure allows a thicker bitumen coating on the aggregate particles. This thicker film makes the surface more resistant to oxidation from exposure to the atmosphere.

Bitumen Emulsion Grades and Specifications

Bitumen emulsion is classified according to international standards, and their specifications through the bitumen standard tests are as follows:

Bitumen Emulsion CSS-1h Specifications
Specification Test Method Min. Max.
Cement Mixing % ASTM D6935 2.0
Storage Stability in 24-H (%) ASTM D6930 1
Sieve Test (%) ASTM D6933 0.1
Viscosity Saybolt Furel At 50 °C ASTM D7496 20 100
Particle Charge (None) ASTM D7402 Positive
Distillation
Residue % ASTM D6997 57
Test On Residue From Distillation Test
Penetration, At 25 °C, 100 gr on 5 sec, (0.1 mm) ASTM D5 40 90
Ductility, At 25 °C, 5 cm/min, (cm) ASTM D113 40
Solubility in TCE, WT% ASTM D2042 97.5

Bitumen Emulsion CMS-2 Specification
Property Min Max Test Method
Viscosity, Saybolt Furol at 50 °C, SFS 50 450 ASTM D244
Storage stability test, 24-h, % 1 ASTM D6930
Particle charge test Positive ASTM D244
Sieve test, % 0.1 ASTM D6933
Coating ability and water resistance:
Coating, dry aggregate Good ASTM D244
Coating, after spraying Fair ASTM D244
Coating, wet aggregate Fair ASTM D244
Coating, after spraying Fair ASTM D244
Distillation:
Oil distillate, by volume of emulsion, % 12 ASTM D6997
Residue, % 65 ASTM D244
test on residue from distillation
Penetration, 25°C (77°F), 100 g, 5 s 100 250 ASTM D5
Ductility, 25°C (77°F), 5 cm/min, cm 40 ASTM D113
Solubility in trichloroethylene, % 97.5 ASTM D2042

Bitumen Emulsion CMS-2h Specification
Property Min Max Test Method
Viscosity, Saybolt Furol at 50 °C, SFS 40 450 ASTM D244
Storage stability test, 24-h, % 1 ASTM D6930
Particle charge test Positive ASTM D244
Sieve test, % 0.1 ASTM D6933
Coating ability and water resistance:
Coating, dry aggregate Good ASTM D244
Coating, after spraying Fair ASTM D244
Coating, wet aggregate Fair ASTM D244
Coating, after spraying Fair ASTM D244
Distillation:
Oil distillate, by volume of emulsion, % 12 ASTM D6997
Residue, % 65 ASTM D244
test on residue from distillation
Penetration, 25°C (77°F), 100 g, 5 s 40 90 ASTM D5
Ductility, 25°C (77°F), 5 cm/min, cm 40 ASTM D113
Solubility in trichloroethylene, % 97.5 ASTM D2042

Bitumen Emulsion CRS-2 Specification
Property Min Max Test Method
Viscosity, Saybolt Furol at 50 °C, SFS 100 400 ASTM D244
Storage stability test, 24-h, % 1 ASTM D6930
Demulsibility, 35 mL, 0.8 % dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, % 40 ASTM D244
Coating ability and water resistance:
Particle charge test Positive ASTM D244
Sieve test, % 0.1 ASTM D6933
Distillation:
Oil distillate, by volume of emulsion, % 3 ASTM D6997
Residue, % 65 ASTM D244
test on residue from distillation
Penetration, 25°C (77°F), 100 g, 5 s 100 250 ASTM D5
Ductility, 25°C (77°F), 5 cm/min, cm 40 ASTM D113
Solubility in trichloroethylene, % 97.5 ASTM D2042

Bitumen Emulsion SS-1 Specification
Property Min Max Test Method
Viscosity SSF, 25 °C (s) 20 100 ASTM D244
Viscosity SSF, 50 °C (s) ASTM D244
Storage stability, 24 h (%) 1 ASTM D6930
Demulcibility  , 0.02 N CaCl2 (%)
Cement mixing (%) 2
Sieve (%) 0.1 ASTM D6933
Residue (%) 57 ASTM-D244
Solubility in trichloroethylene % 97.5 ASTM D2042
Penetration 77°F (25°C) 100g,5s mm 100 200 ASTM D5
ductility, 77°F (25 °C), 5cm/min (cm) 40 ASTM D113

Bitumen Emulsion SS-1h Specification
Property Min Max Test Method
Viscosity SSF, 25 °C (s) 20 100 ASTM D244
Viscosity SSF, 50 °C (s) ASTM D244
Storage stability, 24 h (%) 1 ASTM D6930
Cement mixing (%) 2
Sieve (%) 0.1 ASTM D6933
Residue (%) 57 ASTM-D244
Solubility in trichloroethylene % 97.5 ASTM D2042
Penetration 77°F (25°C) 100g,5s mm 40 90 ASTM D5
Storage stability, 24 h (%) 40 ASTM D113

Bitumen Emulsion RS-1 Specification
Property Min Max Test Method
Viscosity SSF, 25 °C (s) 20 100 ASTM D244
Storage stability, 24 h (%) 1 ASTM D6930
Demulcibility  , 35ml, 8% dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, % 60
Particle charge test Minus  ASTM D244
Sieve (%) 0.1 ASTM D6933
Residue by distillation (%) 55 ASTM-D244
Residue penetration, 25 °C 100 200 ASTM D5
Solubility in trichloroethylene % 97.5 ASTM D2042
Residue ductility, 25 °C, 5cm/min (cm) 40 ASTM D113

Bitumen Emulsion RS-2 Specification
Property Min Max Test Method
Viscosity SSF, 25 °C (s) 20 100 ASTM D244
Storage stability, 24 h (%) 1 ASTM D6930
Demulcibility  , 35ml, 8% dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, % 60
Particle charge test Minus  ASTM D244
Sieve (%) 0.1 ASTM D6933
Residue by distillation (%) 63 ASTM-D244
Residue penetration, 25 °C 100 200 ASTM D5
Solubility in trichloroethylene % 97.5 ASTM D2042
Residue ductility, 25 °C, 5cm/min (cm) 40 ASTM D113

Bitumen Emulsion MS-2 Specification
Property Min Max Test Method
Viscosity SSF, 25 °C (s) 20 100 ASTM D244
Storage stability, 24 h (%) 1 ASTM D6930
Particle charge test Minus  ASTM D244
Sieve (%) 0.1 ASTM D6933
Residue by distillation (%) 65 ASTM-D244
Residue penetration, 25 °C 100 200 ASTM D5
Solubility in trichloroethylene % 97.5 ASTM D2042
Residue ductility, 25 °C, 5cm/min (cm) 40 ASTM D113

Bitumen Emulsion MS-2h Specification
Property Min Max Test Method
Viscosity SSF, 25 °C (s) 20 100 ASTM D244
Storage stability, 24 h (%) 1 ASTM D6930
Particle charge test Minus  ASTM D244
Sieve (%) 0.1 ASTM D6933
Residue by distillation (%) 65 ASTM-D244
Residue penetration, 25 °C 40 90 ASTM D5
Solubility in trichloroethylene % 97.5 ASTM D2042
Residue ductility, 25 °C, 5cm/min (cm) 40 ASTM D113

Bitumen Emulsion HFMS-1 Specification
Property Min Max Test Method
Viscosity, Saybolt Furol at 25 °C, SFS 20 100 ASTM D244
Storage stability, 24 h (%) 1 ASTM D6930
Particle charge test Minus  ASTM D6936
Sieve (%) 0.1 ASTM D6933
Residue by distillation (%) 55 ASTM-D244
Residue penetration, 25 °C 100 200 ASTM D5
Residue ductility, 25 °C, 5cm/min (cm) 40 ASTM D113
Solubility in trichloroethylene % 97.5 ASTM D2042
Float of residue. 60 °C (s) 1200 ASTM D139

Bitumen Emulsion HFMS-2 Specification
Property Min Max Test Method
Viscosity, Saybolt Furol at 25 °C, SFS 100 ASTM D244
Storage stability, 24 h (%) 1 ASTM D6930
Particle charge test Minus  ASTM D6936
Sieve (%) 0.1 ASTM D6933
Residue by distillation (%) 65 ASTM-D244
Residue penetration, 25 °C 100 200 ASTM D5
Residue ductility, 25 °C, 5cm/min (cm) 40 ASTM D113
Solubility in trichloroethylene % 97.5 ASTM D2042
Float of residue. 60 °C (s) 1200 ASTM D139

Bitumen Emulsion HFMS-2s Specification
Property Min Max Test Method
Viscosity, Saybolt Furol at 25 °C, SFS 50 ASTM D244
Storage stability, 24 h (%) 1 ASTM D6930
Particle charge test Minus  ASTM D6936
Sieve (%) 0.1 ASTM D6933
Residue by distillation (%) 65 ASTM-D244
Solvents, by volume of emulsion 1 7 ASTM D6997
Residue penetration, 25 °C 200 ASTM D5
Residue ductility, 25 °C, 5cm/min (cm) 40 ASTM D113
Solubility in trichloroethylene % 97.5 ASTM D2042
Float of residue. 60 °C (s) 1200 ASTM D139

Bitumen Emulsion HFMS-2h Specification
Property Min Max Test Method
Viscosity, Saybolt Furol at 25 °C, SFS 100 ASTM D244
Storage stability, 24 h (%) 1 ASTM D6930
Particle charge test Minus  ASTM D6936
Sieve (%) 0.1 ASTM D6933
Residue by distillation (%) 65 ASTM-D244
Residue penetration, 25 °C 40 90 ASTM D5
Residue ductility, 25 °C, 5cm/min (cm) 40 ASTM D113
Solubility in trichloroethylene % 97.5 ASTM D2042
Float of residue. 60 °C (s) 1200 ASTM D139

Bitumen Emulsion HFRS-2 Specification
Property Min Max Test Method
Viscosity, Saybolt Furol at 25 °C, SFS 20 100 ASTM D244
Storage stability, 24 h (%) 1 ASTM D6930
Particle charge test Minus  ASTM D6936
Sieve (%) 0.1 ASTM D6933
Demulcibility  , 35ml, 8% dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, % 60 ASTM D6933
Residue by distillation (%) 63 ASTM-D244
Residue penetration, 25 °C 100 200 ASTM D5
Residue ductility, 25 °C, 5cm/min (cm) 40 ASTM D113
Float of residue. 60 °C (s) 1200 ASTM D139

Bitumen Emulsion K1-70 Specifications
Specification Test Method Min. Max.
Storage Stability in 24-H (%) ASTM D6930 1
Sieve Test (%) ASTM D6933 0.1
Viscosity Saybolt Furel At 50 °C ASTM D7496 20
Particle Charge (None) ASTM D244-ASTM D7402 Positive
Distillation
Oil Distillate, by Volume of Emulsion, % ASTM D6997 4
Residue, % ASTM D6997 67
Test On Residue From Distillation Test
Penetration, At 25 °C, 100 gr, 5 sec (0.1 mm) ASTM D5 60 250
Ductility, At 25 °C, 5 CM/Min ASTM D113 20
Solubility in TCE, WT% ASTM D2042 97.5

Bitumen Emulsion CSS1 Specifications
Specification Test Method Value
Binder Content or Bitumen Residue (%) ASTM D6997 ≥60
Cement Mixing Test (%) ASTM D6935 ≥2
Storage Stability in 24-H (%) ASTM D6930 1≥
Sieve Test (%) ASTM D6933 0.1≥
Viscosity Saybolt Furel At 50 °C ASTM D7496 ≥20
Demulsibility, 35 ml. 0.8% Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate (%) ASTM D6936 ≥40
Oil Distillate Content (%) ASTM D6997 8≥
Tests On Residue From Distillation Test
Penetration, At 25 °C, 100 gr on 5 sec (0.1 mm) ASTM D5 ≥50
Ductility, At 25 °C, 5 CM/Min ASTM D113 ≥40
Solubility in TCE, WT% ASTM D2042 ≥97.5

Bitumen Emulsion CRS-1 Specifications
Specification Test Method Min. Max.
Binder Content or Bitumen Residue (%) ASTM D6997 63
Storage Stability in 24-H (%) ASTM D6930 1
Sieve Test (%) ASTM D6933 0.1
Viscosity Saybolt Furel At 50 °C ASTM D7496 20
Particle Charge (None) ASTM D244-ASTM D7402 Positive
Test On Residue From Distillation Test
Penetration, At 25 °C, 100 gr on 5 sec (0.1 mm) ASTM D5 50
Ductility, At 25 °C, 5 CM/Min ASTM D113 40
Solubility in TCE, WT% ASTM D2042 97.5

Bitumen Emulsion K1-60 Specifications
Specification Test Method Min. Max.
Binder Content or Bitumen Residue (%) ASTM D6997 63
Storage Stability in 24-H (%) ASTM D6930 1
Sieve Test (%) ASTM D6933 0.1
Viscosity Saybolt Furel At 50 °C ASTM D7496 20
Particle Charge (None) ASTM D244-ASTM D7402 Positive
Test On Residue From Distillation Test
Penetration, At 25 °C, 100 gr on 5 sec (0.1 mm) ASTM D5 50
Ductility, At 25 °C, 5 CM/Min ASTM D113 40
Solubility in TCE, WT% ASTM D2042 97.5

Bitumen Emulsion K1-40 Specifications
Specification Test Method Min. Max.
Storage Stability in 24-H (%) ASTM D6930 1
Sieve Test (%) ASTM D6933 0.1
Viscosity Saybolt Furel At 25 °C ASTM D7496 25
Particle Charge (None) ASTM 244 Positive
Distillation
Residue % ASTM D6997 37
Test On Residue From Distillation Test
Penetration, At 25 °C, 100 gr on 5 sec (0.1 mm) ASTM D5 60 200
Solubility in TCE, WT% ASTM D2042 97.5


<strong>CSS-1</strong>h
Bitumen Emulsion CSS-1h Specifications
SpecificationTest MethodMin.Max.
Cement Mixing %ASTM D69352.0
Storage Stability in 24-H (%)ASTM D69301
Sieve Test (%)ASTM D69330.1
Viscosity Saybolt Furel At 50 °CASTM D749620100
Particle Charge (None)ASTM D7402Positive
Distillation
Residue %ASTM D699757
Test On Residue From Distillation Test
Penetration, At 25 °C, 100 gr on 5 sec, (0.1 mm)ASTM D54090
Ductility, At 25 °C, 5 cm/min, (cm)ASTM D11340
Solubility in TCE, WT%ASTM D204297.5
 <strong>CMS-2</strong>
Bitumen Emulsion CMS-2 Specification
PropertyMinMaxTest Method
Viscosity, Saybolt Furol at 50 °C, SFS50450ASTM D244
Storage stability test, 24-h, %1ASTM D6930
Particle charge testPositiveASTM D244
Sieve test, %0.1ASTM D6933
Coating ability and water resistance:
Coating, dry aggregateGoodASTM D244
Coating, after sprayingFairASTM D244
Coating, wet aggregateFairASTM D244
Coating, after sprayingFairASTM D244
Distillation:
Oil distillate, by volume of emulsion, %12ASTM D6997
Residue, %65ASTM D244
test on residue from distillation
Penetration, 25°C (77°F), 100 g, 5 s100250ASTM D5
Ductility, 25°C (77°F), 5 cm/min, cm40ASTM D113
Solubility in trichloroethylene, %97.5ASTM D2042
<strong>CMS-2h</strong>
Bitumen Emulsion CMS-2h Specification
PropertyMinMaxTest Method
Viscosity, Saybolt Furol at 50 °C, SFS40450ASTM D244
Storage stability test, 24-h, %1ASTM D6930
Particle charge testPositiveASTM D244
Sieve test, %0.1ASTM D6933
Coating ability and water resistance:
Coating, dry aggregateGoodASTM D244
Coating, after sprayingFairASTM D244
Coating, wet aggregateFairASTM D244
Coating, after sprayingFairASTM D244
Distillation:
Oil distillate, by volume of emulsion, %12ASTM D6997
Residue, %65ASTM D244
test on residue from distillation
Penetration, 25°C (77°F), 100 g, 5 s4090ASTM D5
Ductility, 25°C (77°F), 5 cm/min, cm40ASTM D113
Solubility in trichloroethylene, %97.5ASTM D2042
<strong>CRS-2</strong> 
Bitumen Emulsion CRS-2 Specification
PropertyMinMaxTest Method
Viscosity, Saybolt Furol at 50 °C, SFS100400ASTM D244
Storage stability test, 24-h, %1ASTM D6930
Demulsibility, 35 mL, 0.8 % dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, %40ASTM D244
Coating ability and water resistance:
Particle charge testPositiveASTM D244
Sieve test, %0.1ASTM D6933
Distillation:
Oil distillate, by volume of emulsion, %3ASTM D6997
Residue, %65ASTM D244
test on residue from distillation
Penetration, 25°C (77°F), 100 g, 5 s100250ASTM D5
Ductility, 25°C (77°F), 5 cm/min, cm40ASTM D113
Solubility in trichloroethylene, %97.5ASTM D2042
<strong>SS-1</strong>
Bitumen Emulsion SS-1 Specification
PropertyMinMaxTest Method
Viscosity SSF, 25 °C (s)20100ASTM D244
Viscosity SSF, 50 °C (s)ASTM D244
Storage stability, 24 h (%)1ASTM D6930
Demulcibility  , 0.02 N CaCl2 (%)
Cement mixing (%)2
Sieve (%)0.1ASTM D6933
Residue (%)57ASTM-D244
Solubility in trichloroethylene %97.5ASTM D2042
Penetration 77°F (25°C) 100g,5s mm100200ASTM D5
ductility, 77°F (25 °C), 5cm/min (cm)40ASTM D113
<strong>SS-1h</strong>
Bitumen Emulsion SS-1h Specification
PropertyMinMaxTest Method
Viscosity SSF, 25 °C (s)20100ASTM D244
Viscosity SSF, 50 °C (s)ASTM D244
Storage stability, 24 h (%)1ASTM D6930
Cement mixing (%)2
Sieve (%)0.1ASTM D6933
Residue (%)57ASTM-D244
Solubility in trichloroethylene %97.5ASTM D2042
Penetration 77°F (25°C) 100g,5s mm4090ASTM D5
Storage stability, 24 h (%)40ASTM D113
<strong>RS-1</strong>
Bitumen Emulsion RS-1 Specification
PropertyMinMaxTest Method
Viscosity SSF, 25 °C (s)20100ASTM D244
Storage stability, 24 h (%)1ASTM D6930
Demulcibility  , 35ml, 8% dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, %60
Particle charge testMinus ASTM D244
Sieve (%)0.1ASTM D6933
Residue by distillation (%)55ASTM-D244
Residue penetration, 25 °C100200ASTM D5
Solubility in trichloroethylene %97.5ASTM D2042
Residue ductility, 25 °C, 5cm/min (cm)40ASTM D113
<strong>RS-2 </strong>
Bitumen Emulsion RS-2 Specification
PropertyMinMaxTest Method
Viscosity SSF, 25 °C (s)20100ASTM D244
Storage stability, 24 h (%)1ASTM D6930
Demulcibility  , 35ml, 8% dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, %60
Particle charge testMinus ASTM D244
Sieve (%)0.1ASTM D6933
Residue by distillation (%)63ASTM-D244
Residue penetration, 25 °C100200ASTM D5
Solubility in trichloroethylene %97.5ASTM D2042
Residue ductility, 25 °C, 5cm/min (cm)40ASTM D113
<strong>MS-2 </strong>
Bitumen Emulsion MS-2 Specification
PropertyMinMaxTest Method
Viscosity SSF, 25 °C (s)20100ASTM D244
Storage stability, 24 h (%)1ASTM D6930
Particle charge testMinus ASTM D244
Sieve (%)0.1ASTM D6933
Residue by distillation (%)65ASTM-D244
Residue penetration, 25 °C100200ASTM D5
Solubility in trichloroethylene %97.5ASTM D2042
Residue ductility, 25 °C, 5cm/min (cm)40ASTM D113
<strong>MS-2h</strong>
Bitumen Emulsion MS-2h Specification
PropertyMinMaxTest Method
Viscosity SSF, 25 °C (s)20100ASTM D244
Storage stability, 24 h (%)1ASTM D6930
Particle charge testMinus ASTM D244
Sieve (%)0.1ASTM D6933
Residue by distillation (%)65ASTM-D244
Residue penetration, 25 °C4090ASTM D5
Solubility in trichloroethylene %97.5ASTM D2042
Residue ductility, 25 °C, 5cm/min (cm)40ASTM D113
<strong>HFMS-1</strong>
Bitumen Emulsion HFMS-1 Specification
PropertyMinMaxTest Method
Viscosity, Saybolt Furol at 25 °C, SFS20100ASTM D244
Storage stability, 24 h (%)1ASTM D6930
Particle charge testMinus ASTM D6936
Sieve (%)0.1ASTM D6933
Residue by distillation (%)55ASTM-D244
Residue penetration, 25 °C100200ASTM D5
Residue ductility, 25 °C, 5cm/min (cm)40ASTM D113
Solubility in trichloroethylene %97.5ASTM D2042
Float of residue. 60 °C (s)1200ASTM D139
<strong>HFMS-2 </strong>
Bitumen Emulsion HFMS-2 Specification
PropertyMinMaxTest Method
Viscosity, Saybolt Furol at 25 °C, SFS100ASTM D244
Storage stability, 24 h (%)1ASTM D6930
Particle charge testMinus ASTM D6936
Sieve (%)0.1ASTM D6933
Residue by distillation (%)65ASTM-D244
Residue penetration, 25 °C100200ASTM D5
Residue ductility, 25 °C, 5cm/min (cm)40ASTM D113
Solubility in trichloroethylene %97.5ASTM D2042
Float of residue. 60 °C (s)1200ASTM D139
<strong>HFMS-2s</strong>
Bitumen Emulsion HFMS-2s Specification
PropertyMinMaxTest Method
Viscosity, Saybolt Furol at 25 °C, SFS50ASTM D244
Storage stability, 24 h (%)1ASTM D6930
Particle charge testMinus ASTM D6936
Sieve (%)0.1ASTM D6933
Residue by distillation (%)65ASTM-D244
Solvents, by volume of emulsion17ASTM D6997
Residue penetration, 25 °C200ASTM D5
Residue ductility, 25 °C, 5cm/min (cm)40ASTM D113
Solubility in trichloroethylene %97.5ASTM D2042
Float of residue. 60 °C (s)1200ASTM D139
 <strong>HFMS-2h</strong>
Bitumen Emulsion HFMS-2h Specification
PropertyMinMaxTest Method
Viscosity, Saybolt Furol at 25 °C, SFS100ASTM D244
Storage stability, 24 h (%)1ASTM D6930
Particle charge testMinus ASTM D6936
Sieve (%)0.1ASTM D6933
Residue by distillation (%)65ASTM-D244
Residue penetration, 25 °C4090ASTM D5
Residue ductility, 25 °C, 5cm/min (cm)40ASTM D113
Solubility in trichloroethylene %97.5ASTM D2042
Float of residue. 60 °C (s)1200ASTM D139
<strong>HFRS-2</strong>
Bitumen Emulsion HFRS-2 Specification
PropertyMinMaxTest Method
Viscosity, Saybolt Furol at 25 °C, SFS20100ASTM D244
Storage stability, 24 h (%)1ASTM D6930
Particle charge testMinus ASTM D6936
Sieve (%)0.1ASTM D6933
Demulcibility  , 35ml, 8% dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, %60ASTM D6933
Residue by distillation (%)63ASTM-D244
Residue penetration, 25 °C100200ASTM D5
Residue ductility, 25 °C, 5cm/min (cm)40ASTM D113
Float of residue. 60 °C (s)1200ASTM D139
<strong>K1-70 </strong>
Bitumen Emulsion K1-70 Specifications
SpecificationTest MethodMin.Max.
Storage Stability in 24-H (%)ASTM D69301
Sieve Test (%)ASTM D69330.1
Viscosity Saybolt Furel At 50 °CASTM D749620
Particle Charge (None)ASTM D244-ASTM D7402Positive
Distillation
Oil Distillate, by Volume of Emulsion, %ASTM D69974
Residue, %ASTM D699767
Test On Residue From Distillation Test
Penetration, At 25 °C, 100 gr, 5 sec (0.1 mm)ASTM D560250
Ductility, At 25 °C, 5 CM/MinASTM D11320
Solubility in TCE, WT%ASTM D204297.5
<strong>CSS1</strong>
Bitumen Emulsion CSS1 Specifications
SpecificationTest MethodValue
Binder Content or Bitumen Residue (%)ASTM D6997≥60
Cement Mixing Test (%)ASTM D6935≥2
Storage Stability in 24-H (%)ASTM D69301≥
Sieve Test (%)ASTM D69330.1≥
Viscosity Saybolt Furel At 50 °CASTM D7496≥20
Demulsibility, 35 ml. 0.8% Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate (%)ASTM D6936≥40
Oil Distillate Content (%)ASTM D69978≥
Tests On Residue From Distillation Test
Penetration, At 25 °C, 100 gr on 5 sec (0.1 mm)ASTM D5≥50
Ductility, At 25 °C, 5 CM/MinASTM D113≥40
Solubility in TCE, WT%ASTM D2042≥97.5
<strong>CRS-1</strong>
Bitumen Emulsion CRS-1 Specifications
SpecificationTest MethodMin.Max.
Binder Content or Bitumen Residue (%)ASTM D699763
Storage Stability in 24-H (%)ASTM D69301
Sieve Test (%)ASTM D69330.1
Viscosity Saybolt Furel At 50 °CASTM D749620
Particle Charge (None)ASTM D244-ASTM D7402Positive
Test On Residue From Distillation Test
Penetration, At 25 °C, 100 gr on 5 sec (0.1 mm)ASTM D550
Ductility, At 25 °C, 5 CM/MinASTM D11340
Solubility in TCE, WT%ASTM D204297.5
<strong>K1-60</strong>
Bitumen Emulsion K1-60 Specifications
SpecificationTest MethodMin.Max.
Binder Content or Bitumen Residue (%)ASTM D699763
Storage Stability in 24-H (%)ASTM D69301
Sieve Test (%)ASTM D69330.1
Viscosity Saybolt Furel At 50 °CASTM D749620
Particle Charge (None)ASTM D244-ASTM D7402Positive
Test On Residue From Distillation Test
Penetration, At 25 °C, 100 gr on 5 sec (0.1 mm)ASTM D550
Ductility, At 25 °C, 5 CM/MinASTM D11340
Solubility in TCE, WT%ASTM D204297.5
K1-40
Bitumen Emulsion K1-40 Specifications
SpecificationTest MethodMin.Max.
Storage Stability in 24-H (%)ASTM D69301
Sieve Test (%)ASTM D69330.1
Viscosity Saybolt Furel At 25 °CASTM D749625
Particle Charge (None)ASTM 244Positive
Distillation
Residue %ASTM D699737
Test On Residue From Distillation Test
Penetration, At 25 °C, 100 gr on 5 sec (0.1 mm)ASTM D560200
Solubility in TCE, WT%ASTM D204297.5

What Factors are Important in Grading Bitumen Emulsion?

1- Viscosity

The first vital factor for grading bitumen emulsion is the viscosity value. It is obtained by performing a viscosity test.

The viscosity of bitumen emulsion is determined by its bitumen content.

For dense graded aggregates, a lower viscosity of bitumen emulsion is needed; however, for open graded aggregates, a higher viscosity of bitumen emulsion should be used.

An emulsion with small droplet size and a narrow distribution will give a higher viscosity.

Viscosity Test on Bitumen

2- Ductility

To indicate the bitumen resistance to breaking, a ductility test is done.

This testing system measures the extent to which a sample of bitumen can stretch before breaking.

A bitumen emulsion that has a ductility of more than 40 cm makes the surface of a road safe and strong to heavy traffic and do not break easily. In cold weather bitumen with low ductility value may get cracked.

You can read more about different types of standard bitumen tests here.

Ductility Test on Bitumen

3- Penetration

The softness level of bitumen is indicated by entering a standard needle into it.

The harder the bitumen, the better it is for use in hot temperatures.

The standard range of penetration can vary among different grades of bitumen emulsion.

To learn more details about penetration testing, check out here.

Penetration Test on Bitumen

4- Storage stability

This parameter evaluates the stability of bitumen emulsion during the storage.Known also as sedimentation, storage stability shows if the bitumen emulsion droplets settle after manufacturing or not.

For testing the sedimentation of bitumen emulsion, a sample of bitumen is stored in a cylinder at room temperature.

After 24 hours, two samples will be taken, one from the top of the cylinder and the other from the bottom. The weight of two samples will be compared at the next stage.

The difference between two samples’ weight should not exceed 1 unit.

Two main factors that affect the storage stability of bitumen emulsion are viscosity level and the droplet size.

A bitumen with smaller droplets has less risk of settlement.

5- Particle Charge

An emulsion’s anionic or cationic character can be determined by the particle charge test.

In this experiment, two positive and negative electrodes are placed inside the emulsion.

one of the electrodes, conducts a DC current through the emulsion in the container.

30 minutes later, electrodes are examined to determine which electrode has been covered with bitumen.

An anionic emulsion will sediment on the anode (positive electrode) while cationic emulsion will sediment on the cathode (negative electrode).

Bitumen Emulsion_Storage Stability

Bitumen Emulsion Application

In the early 20th century, bitumen emulsions were used mainly for spray applications, but nowadays they are also used for mixing and spraying in road construction and road maintenance.

This type of bitumen is used in various methods of road construction including tack coats, chip seals, slurry seals and micro surfacing.

More details about bitumen emulsion application are presented in the following.

  • Tack Coat:

Bitumen emulsion especially CRS-1 and CRS-2 are the best choice for tack coats between layers of asphalt pavement.

They can be used to heavily improve the strength and fatigue life of asphalt pavement at a very low cost and it’s better to know that the use of cut back bitumen has been avoided.

For running tack coats, the best temperature is 10 to 15 degrees Celsius.

  • Chip Seals:

It is possible to use bitumen emulsion to renovate and waterproof old roads.

Chip seals are one of the most cost-effective methods of pavement preservation, since they protect underlying pavement from oxidation and aging.

Generally speaking, chip seals are typically used on rural roads carrying lower traffic volumes.

  • Slurry Seals:

In order to give a uniform texture to roads, engineers use slurry seals.

This mixture of bitumen emulsion, aggregates and mineral fillers is sprayed on the pavement to seal it and make the surface weather-resistant.

Slurry sealing is also used in the maintenance of asphalt pavements and it helps to reduce road surface damage due to bitumen oxidation, but cannot increase its structural strength.

  • Micro Surfacing:

Micro surface is another form of slurry in road construction, which is composed of polymer modified bitumen emulsion.

The existence of dense-graded aggregates in this mixture makes it stronger and more durable than a slurry seal.

A specialized machine is used to apply the mixture on existing pavements, which carries all components and mixes them on-site. The mixture is then spread onto the road surface.

Must read: A review of different types of bitumen used for road construction

Advantages of Bitumen Emulsion to Cut Back

These bitumen emulsions are used in road constructions as a substitute for cut back bitumen and perform all the functions that cut back bitumen can perform.

  • Bitumen emulsions are more economical than cutback bitumens. Because in most cases bitumen emulsions contain 60% bitumen and 40% water, while cut back bitumen contain 70% bitumen and 30% petroleum solvents  such as kerosene, naphtha, diesel oil, etc. It is obvious that 40% water costs lower than 30% petroleum solvent.
  • In comparison with cut back bitumen, it is not flammable.
  • As emulsion mixes do not require hot mixing, the strength properties of bitumen are preserved. Cold mixing or only slightly heating of the emulsion ingredients is usually done for the construction of the pavement.
  • Emulsions can be applied even when it’s raining in wet weather.
  • Emulsions with lower viscosities are more spreadable and allow for better bitumen coating on aggregate surfaces.
  • There is no waste in laying and storing.
  • Compared to all building materials, it requires little or no energy to heat.

Disadvantages of Bitumen Emulsion

Since bitumen emulsions are a type of soluble bitumen, they can have disadvantages based on the solvent.

If it is soap or water based, it has no disadvantages, only its price is higher, when the mixture is poured on the ground, the water evaporates and the bitumen sticks as a binder.

But if it is based on gasoline solvent, when it evaporates, toxic substances such as sulfur remain in the environment, which causes diseases such as cancer.

Sometimes, in a long-term storage condition or when temperature changes are large, it may become two-phase and frangible.

Bitumen Emulsion Standard

In the US, two central institutions have defined and standardized bitumen emulsion classifications:

  • The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) 
  • The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

There are societies and institutions throughout the world that have standardized how bitumen emulsions 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 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.

Sample of several bitumen emulsion standards are as follow:

  • American standards :
    • Anionic Emulsion: ASTM D977, AASHTO M140
    • Cationic Emulsion: ASTM D2397, AASHTO M208
  • En 12597
  • IS 3117 (2004)
  • BSI 434-2 (2006)

Bitumen Emulsion Packaging

For bitumen emulsion, there are several types of packaging, including :

  • Barrel
  • IBC
  • Flexi tank
  • Reconditioned drums

Other types of packing is not suitable for bitumen emulsion, but Infinity Galaxy provides your desired bitumen emulsion in the above packing.

Read More About Emulsion Bitumen:
Bitumen Emulsion Applications (Advantages and Disadvantages )
Bitumen Emulsion Supplier

FAQ

Are there any polymer- modified bitumen emulsion?

Yes. Altogether, there are different components like polymers, latex, acids and other materials that can be added to a bitumen emulsion to enhance its resistance at higher temperatures and make it stronger and more resistant to fatigue and rutting.

Are Bitumen Emulsions environmentally friendly?

Yes. Water is used to dilute bitumen emulsions which is an environmentally friendly solvent. Contrary to hydrocarbon solvents, which are harmful to the environment when used to dilute cutback bitumen.

How do we know that the bitumen emulsion has deteriorated?

It may take a few months after the purchase of bitumen to see if the bitumen has cracked. If the emulsion breaks, you will see the water and the bitumen separate.

Is it better to use bitumen emulsion or cut back bitumen?

It is better to use bitumen emulsions. It is more economical and easier to use and it is less dangerous than cutback bitumens.

What is the most important factor in testing bitumen emulsion?

The most important factor in bitumen emulsion testing is the percentage of bitumen. It directly affects the viscosity of bitumen emulsion.

What is the difference between ordinary bitumen and bitumen emulsion?

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

Do bitumen emulsions require any special maintenance?

Yes. Often, one of the main problems in the storage of bitumen emulsion is the storage environment. It should not be in contact with air. Neither should the tank be allowed to freeze. The type of tank that is used is also an important factor. Vertical tanks are superior to horizontal tanks because they minimize the surface area exposed to air. Horizontal tanks are acceptable but not recommended because they expose the emulsion to air at its surface. Also, prevent water and other foreign materials from getting into the bitumen storage tanks and maintain the quality and homogeneity of the mixture.

What is the exact function of emulsifiers?

Emulsifiers make emulsification easier by reducing the interfacial tension between the bitumen and water. It also stabilizes the emulsion by preventing the coalescence of droplets.

Which types of bitumen emulsion are most in demand?

CSS-1, RS-1, RS-2, CRS-1, K1-60 and K1-70 are the most demanding bitumen emulsions . East Asia has the highest demand for CSS-1 and CRS-1 , while Africa, Qatar, and the Persian Gulf countries have the highest demand for K1-60 and K1-70 bitumen emulsions.

What is non-ionic bitumen emulsion?

In this type of bitumen emulsion, Bentonite can be used as a mineral emulsifier. This non-ionic bitumen emulsion is not very common in road construction.

What is the difference between bitumen and emulsion?

1.Bitumen is obtained by distillation of the crude oil in the refinery, but emulsion bitumen is obtained from mixing bitumen, emulsifier and water. Bitumen is the base material of emulsion bitumen.
2.Bitumen is a semi solid material with high viscosity, but emulsion bitumen is liquid with very low viscosity.
3.Bitumen can be used as the main binder in the road asphalt, but emulsion bitumen can be used in the protective asphalt on the main asphalt of the road.

Infinity Galaxy, Bitumen Emulsion Supplier

The international bitumen emulsion supplier, Infinity Galaxy, is sending thousands of tones of bitumen emulsion in barrels to important ports around the world.

Infinity Galaxy built its business on values such as high quality products, competitive pricing, satisfied customers, and efficient logistic services.

We can pack and export your needed bitumen in the shortest possible amount of time.

If you want to know more about bitumen emulsion and the purchasing terms, you can contact us or fill out our inquiry forms.

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