BITUMEN

Bitumen, often referred to as asphalt cement in North America, is a key binding material used in road construction. In many regions, the term “asphalt” refers to a mixture of bitumen, sand, stones, and filler. At ambient temperatures, bitumen is a stable, semi-solid substance that must be liquefied for application. This can be done by heating, dissolving in fuel, or emulsifying in water. Among these methods, emulsification is the most cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and safe for workers—resulting in what is known as a bitumen emulsion.

At room temperature, bitumen is a semi-solid and must be liquefied for road use. While it can be heated or mixed with fuel, these methods are costly and harmful to the environment. The safest, most efficient solution is emulsifying it in water—creating a bitumen emulsion that’s both eco-friendly and cost-effective.

BITUMEN EMULSION

An asphalt emulsion is a stable blend of bitumen, water, and an emulsifying agent, where tiny droplets of bitumen are suspended in water. This water-based form allows it to be easily stored, transported, mixed with aggregates, or sprayed onto surfaces for road applications. Once applied, the emulsion “breaks”—meaning the water separates from the bitumen—either through chemical reactions, evaporation, or both, depending on how it’s formulated. After breaking and curing, the bitumen retains the same strength, durability, and water resistance as its original form. Asphalt emulsions are common in road construction and maintenance, and can be thought of like everyday emulsions such as paint or shampoo.

EMULSIFYING AGENT

An emulsifier, or surfactant, is a surface-active agent that stabilizes bitumen emulsions. It has a water-soluble head and a bitumen-soluble tail, allowing it to surround bitumen droplets and keep them evenly suspended in water. This prevents the droplets from clumping and ensures a stable mixture.

Emulsifiers are classified by their charge: anionic (negative), cationic (positive), or non-ionic (neutral). The charge causes the bitumen particles to repel each other, maintaining separation and stability. The choice of emulsifier depends on the application and the type of materials used, ensuring the emulsion performs effectively in various conditions.

Our process begins with pyrolysis, a method that converts organic waste into biochar, effectively capturing carbon and reducing environmental impact. This biochar is then carefully refined and integrated into our advanced Carbonpave technology, where it works alongside bitumen emulsion to enhance the overall structure of the asphalt. The result is a road surface with superior binding properties, increased resistance to wear and extreme weather conditions, and an extended lifespan.