Bituminous Emulsions and Cutbacks
Bituminous Emulsions and Cutbacks
Bituminous Emulsions and Cutbacks
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Emulsions
a) Anionic emulsifiers
b) Cationic emulsifiers
c) Non-ionic emulsifiers
d) Colloidal emulsifiers
Anionic Emulsifiers
It is characterised by having a large organic anion forming a salt with an alkali. A typical
example of sodium stearate CH3 (CH2)16COONa. When dissolved in water, this dissociates into
the (negative) stearate anion CH3(CH2)16COO – and the (positive) sodium cation Na+. The long-
chain fatty-acid stearate anion is soluble in bitumen, the carboxylic group (COO-) which carries
the negative charge being the least soluble part. Each bitumen globule is surrounded by stearate
ions with negative charge on the surface and it becomes much more difficult for the globules to
coalesce because all have surface negative charges and so tend to repel each other.
ANIONIC EMULSIFIERS
Cationic Emulsifiers
These are compounds in which it is the cation which is the large organic fraction soluble
in bitumen. Typical example is cetyl trimethyl-ammonium bromide C16H33(CH3)3NBr
dissociates in water into the (positive) cetyl trimethyl-ammonium cation and the (negative)
bromine anion Br-. The cation is soluble in bitumen and when this compound is present in a
system of globules of bitumen in water is established, so that each globule of bitumen is
surrounded by a positively charged layer.
Vinod.B.R, Asst.Professor Department of Civil Engg,BMSIT&M, Bangalore Page 2
PAVEMENT MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION 10CV763
CATIONIC EMULSIFIERS
Non-Ionic Emulsifiers
The non-ionic emulsifiers do not ionise in aqueous solution, are limited in use. They
comprise esters and ethers of fatty acids and alcohols.
Colloidal Emulsifiers
It includes naturally occurring fine powders which are used for industrial purpose than
for road emulsions. Examples of these are casein and gelatine and fine powders such as clays
and bentonites.
Preparation of Emulsion
Materials
Almost all grades of bitumen can be emulsified, from hard penetration grades to softer
grades. Harder grades of bitumen are used for industrial purposes.
The main difference between the methods is that with the colloid mill the emulsion is
produced continuously where as with the high-speed mixer a number of separate batches are
produced.
a) Colloid Mill Method
The colloid millconsist of a high-speed rotor which revolves in a stator, the clearance
between the rotor and the stator being approximately 15 to 20 thousands of an inch.
A hot solution of the emulsifiers in water and the heated bitumen are fed separately at a
constant rate into the machine in the appropriate constant proportions so that an emulsion of
uniform binder content is continuously produced. It has been shown that the degree of hardness
of the water used has an influence on the degree of dispersion and water-softening plants may
need to be installed in areas of very hard water. Road emulsions can be continuously produced in
colloid mills at rates of up to 2500 gallons per hour.
This method is not widely used because it is a batch process and therefore more labour is
required.
The procedure is to run appropriate amount of water at hust below boiling point into a
200 or 300 gallon mixer, the diameter of which is equal to depth of liquid it is proposed to mix.
The mixer is fitted with a high speed propeller type. Stirrer mounted off-centre to avoid the
production of a vortex. Alkali is added to the water in the mixer and bitumen at about 100°C is
slowly run in with continous stirring.
Dispersions obtained by this method are not so uniform as those obtained in a colloidal
mill. After emulsification by either method, the material is pumped into storage tanks where it is
allowed to cool.
Properties of Emulsion
The following are the properties pertaining largely to the constitution of emulsion before use.
a) Residue on sieving
b) Stability to mixing with coarse-graded aggregate
c) Stability to mixing with cement
d) Water content
e) Viscosity
f) Coagulation at low temperature
g) Sedimentation
h) Stability on long-period storage
Residue on Sieving
Practically all road bitumen and tars are slightly heavier than water and the globules of
binder will tend to sediment in emulsion; the rate at which it sediments depends on the size of
the particle. Hence percentage of large particles should be controlled and hence is to ensure that
not more than 0.25% by weight of emulsion consists of particles greater than 0.006 inch in
diameter.
Water Content
Road emulsions may contain up to 65% of water. It is essential to know this percentage if
the quantity of bituminous binder actually used in the surfacing is to be measured accurately.
The water content of an emulsion is often varied to suit particular forms of application.
Viscosity
It is determined by the proportion of bitumen or tar in the emulsion and by the particle-
size distribution. The viscosity of the emulsion should be low enough to spray through
conventional jets or to coat stone. It is measured by Engler out flow viscometer.
Sedimentation
Some sedimentation may occur when a drum of emulsion is left standing before use;
provided however the sediment redisperses on agitation, the emulsion can be used satisfactory.
Classification of Emulsions
Bitumen emulsions are divided into 3 main classes depending on the rates at which they
break. The classes are sub-divided, depending on the bitumen contents and viscosity ranges of
the emulsions.
Class-1: Labile or Quick-Breaking
This class embraces emulsions characterized by rapid breakdown on application and
suitable for surface-dressing and grouting work. They are normally unsuitable for mixing with
aggregate and subdivided into following classes: 1A, 1B, 1C.
Class-2: Semi-Stable
These are emulsions of sufficient stability to permit mixing with certain grades of
aggregate before breakdown occurs. They contain more stabilizer than the labile emulsions and
are sub-divided as class 2A, 2B.
Class-3: Stable
These are emulsions with sufficient mechanical and chemical stability for all purposes
involving mixing with aggregates including fines like cement, hydrated lime, etc.
Uses of Emulsions:
*They are more tolerant than penetration grade bitumen, of the presence of dampness, although
they should not be used in the presence of free water on the road surface or on aggregate.
* Because emulsion is of relatively low viscosity at normal temperature, they eliminate the need
to heat the aggregate and binder and thus they conserve energy.
* They can be used when the weather is relatively cold
*They are ideal for patching and repairing work, particularly they do not require heating before
use.
*They are used for surface dressing, grouting, pre-mixing, sealing, and soil stabilization with
cement.
Disadvantages
*Emulsions are however, costly.
* Since they contain a substantial quantity of water, the transportation coat is higher.
Tests for Road Emulsions
a) Determination of Water Content
Road emulsions may contain up to
65% of water and it is essential to know this
percentage. The determination is made by
Dean and Stark method.
The sample is placed in a round-
bottomed flask fitted with a graduated
receiver (Dean and Stark tube) and a
condenser. An organic liquid immiscible
with water. Ex: Benzene and xylene, white
spirit or solvent naphtha is added and the
flask is heated. The organic liquid distils
into the reciver, carrying with it, water
which then separates into lower layer. The
excess carrier liquid over flows into the
APPARATUS FOR DETERMINATIONN OF
flask.
WATER CONTENT
(Dean-and-Stark Method)
b) Measurement of Viscosity
The viscosity of an emulsion is a measure of flow properties of emulsion itself and has no
relation to the viscosity of the bitumen or tar and it is determined by means of Engler viscometer.
Emulsions are available having viscosities in the range 5 to 20°Engler. The viscosity must
be chosen so that the emulsions is sufficiently fluid to flow and coat the stone but at the some
time is viscous enough not to drain from the stone.
It is first calibrated by filling to the level with distilled water which is adjusted to 20°C by
the surrounding water bath. The time in seconds for 200 ml to run out is recorded. The
viscometer is dried and the test is repeated using emulsion. The viscosity in Engler degrees is the
ratio of the times of flow for emulsion and water.
ENGLER VISCOMETER
g) Sedimentation
Some sedimentation may occur when a drum of emulsion is left standing before use.
10 g of bitumen emulsion is weighed into a glass tube which is then centrifuged for five minutes
to sediment the emulsion. 30 ml of 1 % soft soap is added and tube is stoppered. The tube is then
rotated end-over-end at one complete inversion per second, after each five turns the table is
allowed to drain towards the stopper for ten seconds to observe if any sediment remains. The
number of inversions until the sediment disperses is noted and should not be less than 50 for the
emulsion.
Cutback Bitumen
Cutback bitumen is defined as the bitumen, the viscosity of which has been reduced by a
volatile diluents. For use in surface dressings, some type of bitumen macadam and soil-bitumen
stabilization, it is necessary to have a fluid binder which can be mixed relatively at low
temperatures. Hence to increase the fluidity of the bituminous binder at low temperatures the
binder is blended with volatile solvent. After the cutback mix is used in construction work, the
volatile gets evaporated and the cutback develops the binding properties. The viscosity of
cutback and rate of which it hardens on the road depend on the characteristics and quantity of
both bitumen and volatile oil used as the diluents.
formed is commonly referred to as ‘stripping’ which is brought about by the displacement of the
bituminous binder from the stone surface by water. The greater the viscosity, the less readily and
the more slowly does the binder wet the stone. The problems with water mixing in two ways,
firstly due to aggregates being wet before laying, secondly due to effect of rain after it has been
laid.
In other words; it is the stripping of the bituminous mixtures which are permeable too
water. It is the displacement of the binder from aggregate. The process is popularly explained by
the theory or mechanism of stripping.
Mechanism of Stripping
Stripping is the displacement of the binder from the surface of aggregates by water. The
process of displacement depends on the viscosity of the binder. The binders of high viscosity
resist displacement by water than those of low viscosity.
It has been shown practically that water may penetrate through a film of binder and reach
the stone surface. The transfer of water to the stone surface may occur with water in liquid or
vapour form.
The speed with which water can penetrate and detach the binder depends on:
a) Type and viscosity of the binder
b) Thickness of binder film
c) Nature of road stone
Stripping was found throughout the length of the surface but failure was observed only on
the parts of the flexible base. If the failure occurs it may be due to the following ways:
a) The binder is undetached and hence unstripped
b) The binder is partially detached but unstrapped
c) The binder is attached but unstripped
d) The binder is detached and stripped leading to the disintegration and failure.
Both water and hydrocarbon such as bitumen or tar will adhere to a stone surface, the forces of
attraction are appreciably greater in the water. The stone surface possesses hydrophilic
properties. Two important conclusions follow from this at once:
a) If a stone is already coated with water, it is impossible for a normal bituminous binder to
displace the water and adhere to the stone.
b) Is a stone is already coated with a binder; it is possible for water to ‘strip’ the binder from
the stone.
The indication of strength of bond for heat of wetting between silica surface by water and by
benzene which which gives 600 and 150 ergs/sg.cm respectively. Shows that water is more
attracted to aggregates than a bitumen product. Again heat of wetting is an expression of
tendency of a liquid to wet a solid surface. Greater is the heat of wetting, greater is the energy
released and stronger is the bond between solid and liquid. Hence if a aggregate is already coated
by water it is impossible for a normal binder to displace the water where as if a aggregate is
already coated by bitumen is possible for water to strip binder from road stone.
If the angle of contact between the 3 phases is ‘θ’ and the energies of solid/binder,
solid/water and binder/water interfaces are γsb, γsw, γbw respectively, then the work displacing
water from unit area of stone is given by:
W = γsb + γbw – γsw -----------------------------(i)
For equilibrium, Young and Dupre’s equation
γsb = γsw + γbw cos θ ---------------------------------------(ii)
W = γbw (1+cos θ)
Hence the work required to displace water by binder is directly proportional to interfacial
energy between binder and water and it is also related to the angle of contact.
Adhesion Test
Numerous tests have been described, most of which fall into 6 basic types. A sample of
aggregates is coated with a bituminous binder and then immersed in water under controlled
conditions. The degree of stripping of binder from the aggregate after a known period of time is
measured. Six types of tests are:
a) Static Immersion Test
b) Dynamic Immersion Test
c) Chemical Immersion Test
d) Immersion Mechanical Test
e) Coating Test
e) Coating Test
i. In this test an attempt is made to obtain adhesion between an aggregate and binder when
water is also present.
ii. Test involves immersion of tray of binder in water and then the application of chippings to
the surface of the binder. It is known as Immersion tray test.
iii. No adhesion is obtained under these conditions with normal road stones and binders but the
test is helpful for examining how surface-active agents improve adhesion between binders
and aggregates in surface dressing under wet conditions.
1) Binder of high viscosity resists stripping more readily than those of low viscosity & hence
there is an advantage that the viscosity of the binder should be as high as possible.
2) It is usually necessary to compromise between the lower viscosity needed to give the best
initial coating on the aggregate & the higher viscosity desirable to give better protection
against stripping.
3) Addition of filler to a mixture increases the viscosity of the binder & hence it will control
the rate of stripping.
4) There are certain fillers, hydrated lime & portland cement which when added to bituminous
mixture in 1 to 2% weight of total mix will reduce or even completely prevent stripping.
5) Chemically active fillers are also used in the mixing of cold & wet aggregate with
bituminous binders.
6) Organic acids present in binders react with filler to form calcium naphthanete or calcium
phenate to improve adhesion.
7) Addition of upto 10% of road tar to bitumen improves adhesion in some coated macadam
wearing courses.
8) By adding surface-active chemicals to the binder, it has been claimed that some soaps of
metals (Ca, Pb, Fe) may improve adhesion.
9) Additives which show cationic surface activity such as cetyl pyridinium bromide & cetyl
trimethyl ammonium bromide increases the adhesive bond.
10) Powerful agents like organic amines which have high molecular weight are sprinkled on the
surface dressing to increase adhesion.
1. What are emulsions and cutbacks? How are they prepared? Mentions under what conditions
these are used.
2. Explain the different tests conducted on bituminous emulsions.
3. Explain the common adhesion problem in bituminous construction. List the various lab tests to
determine the adhesion of bituminous binder to an aggregate and explain any one.
4. Briefly explain the mechanism of stripping of bituminous binder and the methods of
improving adhesion.
5. What are cutbacks? What are their characteristics?
6. Explain Anionic, cationic and non-ionic emulsions.
7.Write short notes on types of cutback Bitumen.
8.Explain the common adhesion problem in bituminous construction .list the various laboratory
tests to determine the adhesion of bituminous binder to an aggregate and explain any one.
9.Explain the constituents of a bituminous mix.
10.Explain the desirable properties of a bituminous mix.
11.What are emulsions? Discuss their merits and list out the various tests on emulsions.
12.Explain the mechanism of stripping of bituminous binder and method to improve adhesion.
13.List the different types of modifies binders used in construction and explain briefly the
Vinod.B.R, Asst.Professor Department of Civil Engg,BMSIT&M, Bangalore Page 21
PAVEMENT MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION 10CV763
1. Highway Engineering- Khanna, S.K., and Justo, C.E.G., : Nem Chand and Bros. Roorkee
3. Hot Mix Asphalt Materials, Mixture Design and Construction- Freddy L. Roberts, Kandhal,
P.S. : University of Texas Austin, Texas. NAPA Education Foundation Lanham, Maryland.
REFERENCES BOOKS: