Cationic Bitumen Emulsions

Cationic Bitumen Emulsions are a mixture of Bitumen, solution consisting of a controlled level of emulsifiers, acids and stabilisers. Cationic Emulsions have largely displaced what is known as Anionic Emulsions because of their better overall performance and have virtually eliminated the use of the solvent based products in the more developed countries of the world. 

Cationic Bitumen Emulsions are manufactured by the controlled mixing of five (5) basic ingredients, namely:

Bitumen (usually 60 - 67 % either 180 - 200 Penetration Bitumen or 60/70 Penetration Bitumen.

Emulsifier (Usually 1 - 1.5% either Rapid/Medium setting or Slow Setting)

Stabilizer - 0.1%

Solvent - 5.0% maximum. Used in Cold Mixes ONLY 

Lake Asphalt of Trinidad and Tobago (1978) limited produces Cationic Bitumen Emulsions in a state of the art plant backed by the technology of a world leader in the business, Akzo Nobel. The range of the company’s Emulsions allows for flexibility to suit a wide array of paving applications for all classes of roads. It can be used as an effective complement to Hot Mix Asphalt applications, as well as a stand-alone solution to many superficial and sub-surface road deficiencies. The benefits of Bitumen Emulsions include its ease of use, quality adhesion and durability over other cold mix applications and the availability various emulsions to suit a specific aggregate and job requirements. 

Lake Asphalt of Trinidad and Tobago (1978) Limited’s Range of Emulsions

Cationic Rapid Setting (CRS)

The rapid setting grades are designed to react quickly with aggregate and revert from the emulsion state to bitumen. They are used primarily for spray applications, such as aggregate (chip) seals, surface treatments and Asphalt Penetration Macadam. The company produces two grades of CRS – CRS1 and CRS2

Cationic Medium Setting - (CMS)

The medium setting grades are designed for mixing with coarse aggregate. Since these grades do not break immediately upon contact with aggregate, mixes using them remain workable for a few minutes. The CMS grades have high viscosities to prevent runoff

Cationic Slow Setting - (CSS)

The slow setting grades are designed for maximum mixing stability. They are used with high fines contents, dense - graded aggregates. All slow - setting grades have low viscosities that can be further reduced by adding water. These blends can be diluted (up to 50 % diluted) prior to field applications. When diluted, they may also be used for tack coats, prime coats, fog seals, and dust palliatives. The company produces two grades of CSS – CSS1 and CSS1h 

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