WHAT IS CATIONIC BITUMEN EMULSION?

A stable dispersion of bitumen in water in continuous phase. The bitumen globules are positively
charged due to the NH3 + group cover which is formed around bitumen droplets and provide stability
for emulsion by electrostatic repulsion. These bitumen droplets have an affinity with the negatively
charged aggregate, which is usually available in India.

Dispersion is obtained by processing bitumen & water based solution under controlled conditions
through a colloidal mill having a high speed rotor in the presence of scientifically selected
surfactants/emulsifier. Selection of emulsifier & its quality is significant for emulsion stability, its
breaking & curing when applied over aggregates.

The Cationic Bitumen Emulsion is chocolate brown and free flowing at normal temperature. Once it
breaks the bitumen breaks out and colour changes to black. An Emulsion is said to break when the
organic and the aqueous phase separate into two distinct layers i.e. the dispersion ceases to exist.
Emulsions are classified as Rapid Setting-1(RS-1),Rapid Setting-2(RS-2) ,Medium Setting (MS), Slow
Setting-1 (SS-1), Slow Setting-2 (SS-2) . The breaking time varies according to the designation of
Emulsion although being largely dependant upon the climatic condition i.e. temperature, humidity,
wind velocity etc.

WHERE TO USE CATIONIC BITUMEN EMULSION?

Emulsions were first developed in the early 1900s. It was not until 1920s however, that emulsions, as
we know them today came to the fore due to its ecofriendly behaviour & other advantages, the use of
Cationic Bitumen Emulsion has had a steady rise in demand world wide including INDIA.

The INDIAN ROADS CONGRESS & MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT & HIGHWAYS have
recommended the use of Cationic Bitumen Emulsion in several applications of Road Work like Tack
Coat, Prime Coat, Surface Dressing work, 20 mm Premix Carpet, Sealing of cracks with fog seal etc.
Use of Cationic Bitumen Emulsion in SDBC Works is also under consideration & likely to get the
necessary recommendation from MORTH & IRC shortly.

WHY USE BITUMEN EMULSION INSTEAD OF HOT BITUMEN?

Superiority of BITUMEN Emulsion originates from its basic characteristic i.e. used in Cold condition
which gives ease & efficiency in usage. We can use Bitumen Emulsion in varying weather conditions
and almost in every type of Road Construction work, instead of conventional cumbersome hot mix
method.
USERS ADVANTAGES:

1. Because of low viscosity of the Emulsion as compared to hot applied Bitumen, The Emulsion
has a good penetration and spreading capacity.
2. CATASPHALT is electrically charged with built-in antistripping properties, which gives better
bondage with hydrophilic aggregates mostly available in our country.
3. It can be used even with wet aggregates thus enabling users to carry out work during the
monsoon also.
4. It does not need any pre-heating. Thus results in case of handling for the user, besides saving in
cost.
5. ENERGY SAVING & CONTROL OF POLLUTION & SAFETY:
During the last 10-12 yrs., the country was in quest for alternatives of Hot Mixing technology
especially to save our beleaguered environment besides curbing the use of Imported petroleum oil, and
our precious forests supplying firewood. Optimum use of Bitumen Emulsion can preserve Petroleum
Oil and in turn save our Environment and Foreign Exchange.
• Bitumen Emulsion does not require petroleum solvent to make them liquid as in cut back and
also it is not required to be heated like normal Bitumen. Thus saving imported petroleum oil or
firewood.
• Toxic fumes (Hydrocarbon emission) normally emitted form heated bitumen & cut backs not
present when Cationic Bitumen Emulsion is used, as no heating is required for its application.
• Cold application of Bitumen Emulsion ensures safety to work force, it is a user friendly product.
• Being cold applied, the work progresses much faster.