Bitumen emulsion specific weight, weight of one liter

In the construction and road construction industry, bitumen has long proven its value. It is used as a binder, but in its natural state this substance is very viscous and cannot perform its direct function. To make it liquid, three methods are used:

• heating to 200 degrees;

• dilution with solvents, namely petroleum refining products;

• emulsification by mixing bitumen with water and special emulsifiers that prevent the liquids from separating.

The first method requires high energy consumption and work with hot material, while the second involves solvents and stricter safety requirements. For this reason, road and construction applications often consider the third option: bitumen emulsion.

Composition and Properties of Bitumen Emulsions

Bitumen emulsion is a homogeneous mixture of two substances that do not dissolve in each other: bitumen and water. Surfactants added to the emulsion during preparation prevent bitumen particles from combining. The properties of the emulsion depend on the proportions of bitumen, water, emulsifiers and modifying additives. Latex and other polymer additives may be used to improve elasticity and coating durability, but they are not the mandatory base of every emulsion.

By preparation method, emulsions are divided into:

• direct type, where bitumen particles are dispersed in water; this type is used more often;

• reverse type, where water particles are evenly distributed in bitumen.

By the percentage of bitumen in the composition:

• saturated emulsion, more than 70%;

• concentrated emulsion, from 40% to 70%;

• low-concentration emulsion, where the bitumen share is below 40%.

The second and third categories are the most in demand.

When the manufacturer’s instructions are followed, bitumen emulsion is usually safer to handle than hot bitumen or solvent-rich products, but it should not be treated as completely harmless. After application, bitumen emulsion penetrates well into all pores and surface irregularities, dries quickly due to water evaporation, and the bitumen covers the surface with a strong layer.

If the emulsion composition is made correctly and all technological standards are followed, it does not spread but is quickly absorbed by the filler. The use of bitumen emulsions can reduce bitumen consumption in road construction by almost 30%. At the same time, the average specific weight of bitumen emulsion is 1.05 kg/dm³.

These properties expand the range of use compared with hot bitumen and solvent-based compounds. In addition to road construction and roof repair, bitumen emulsions are used for waterproofing structural joints and assemblies, including indoor work when the specific product allows it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.