bitumikastiketta

Bitumikastike, often translated as bitumen emulsion or asphalt emulsion, is a stable dispersion of bitumen in water. This product is created by using an emulsifying agent to break down bitumen into very small droplets, which are then suspended in water. The emulsifying agent prevents the bitumen droplets from coalescing and separating from the water phase.

Bitumikastike is a versatile material used extensively in road construction and maintenance. Its primary advantage over hot-applied bitumen is its ability to be applied at ambient temperatures, reducing energy consumption and improving safety. The water in the emulsion evaporates upon application, leaving behind a coherent film of bitumen.

There are two main types of bitumen emulsions: anionic and cationic. Anionic emulsions have negatively charged bitumen droplets, while cationic emulsions have positively charged droplets. The choice between anionic and cationic depends on the type of aggregate being used. Cationic emulsions generally adhere better to aggregates with a negative surface charge, which are common in road construction.

Applications for bitumikastike include tack coats, prime coats, chip seals, slurry seals, and cold mix asphalt. A tack coat is applied between pavement layers to ensure good adhesion. A prime coat is applied to a granular base to bind fine particles and provide a waterproof surface. Chip seals involve spreading a layer of emulsion followed by a layer of aggregate. Slurry seals and cold mixes use a combination of emulsion, aggregate, and filler to create a new pavement surface. Bitumen emulsions offer an environmentally friendlier alternative to hot-mix asphalt due to lower volatile organic compound emissions and reduced energy requirements.