WHY USE BITUMEN EMULSIONS?
PRINCIPALS OF EMULSIONS MIXES An emulsion is a mixture of two immiscible liquids, one of which is dispersed in the other in the form of very fine particles. The process of emulsification is accomplished by use of an emulsifier and a stabilizer. Emulsion mixes are used as a base layer in a pavement structure as well as a surfacing course. They are obtained by dispersing a cationic bitumen emulsion in an aggregate and can be produced in cold mix plants as well as with mix-pavers. The application rates vary from 50 mm to 200 mm in thickness. The binder within an emulsion stabilized granular material selectively coats smaller particles. The stiffness of emulsion mixtures is lower than Hot Mix Asphalt. Unlike Hot Mix Asphalt, the manufacturing of emulsion mixes does not require heat. The surface of emulsion mixes is relatively fragile when compared to the surface of Hot Mix Asphalt. Unsealed emulsion mixes do not provide waterproofing and the cohesion at the surface may not be sufficient to
