Asphalt emulsifier is a key material for preparing emulsified asphalt, and its types and application scenarios vary depending on chemical properties, demulsification speed, and applicable working conditions. The following are the classification and typical application scenarios of the system:
1、 Classified by ionic properties
1. Cationic emulsifier
Characteristics: It carries a positive charge, has strong adhesion with negatively charged stones (such as silicates), and has a fast demulsification speed.
Common types: primary amine salts (such as dodecyl primary amine hydrochloride): suitable for emulsifying ordinary asphalt.
Quaternary ammonium salts (such as hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide): resistant to hard water and have good stability.
Application scenario: Road repair: Rapid demulsification, suitable for cold mixing and cold laying repair materials.
Adhesive/Permeable Oil: Strong permeability, used for interlayer bonding.
Rainy areas: Excellent resistance to water damage.
2. Anionic emulsifier
Characteristics: It carries a negative charge and has good compatibility with alkaline stones (such as limestone), but it breaks down slowly and requires electrolyte assistance.
Common types: Fatty acid salts (such as sodium oleate): Low cost, but poor stability.
Sulfonates (such as sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate): have strong resistance to hard water.
Application scenario: Alkaline aggregate pavement: Good compatibility with limestone, basalt, and other materials.
Slow cracking and slow setting construction: such as slurry sealing and micro surfacing.
3. Non ionic emulsifiers
Characteristics: Non charged, resistant to acid, alkali, and hard water, but with weak adhesion, often compounded with other emulsifiers.
Common type: OP series (such as OP-10): strong hydrophilicity, used to stabilize lotion.
Span/Tween class: regulates the viscosity of emulsified asphalt.
Application scenario: Composite emulsion system: compounded with cationic/anionic emulsifiers to improve stability.
Special operating conditions: high pH or high salinity environment.
4. Bipolar ion emulsifier
Features: Contains both positive and negative charge groups, with strong adaptability but high cost.
Common types: betaine, amino acid.
Application scenarios:
Complex aggregate: Mixed aggregate (such as acidic+alkaline).
High performance requirements: such as bridge deck waterproof layer and high viscosity transparent layer.
3、 Classified by functional modification
1. SBS modified emulsifier
Features: Enhance elasticity, high temperature resistance, and crack resistance.
Application: Ultra thin overlay, high-grade highway surface layer.
2. Rubber asphalt emulsifier
Features: Compatible with waste tire rubber powder, enhanced anti-aging performance.
Application: Stress absorption layer, airport runway.
3. High viscosity emulsifier
Features: Viscosity ≥ 1000 mPa · s, strong adhesion.
Application: Waterproof membrane, steel bridge deck paving.
4、 Select key points
1. Aggregate properties: acidic aggregate (granite) → cationic; Alkaline aggregate (limestone) → anions.
2. Climate conditions: Rainy areas → fast splitting cations; Drought and high temperature → slow cracking type+slow-release agent.
3. Construction process: cold regeneration → slow cracking and slow setting; Micro surface → slow splitting anion.
