Nonionic Bitumen Emulsion

What is Nonionic Bitumen Emulsion?

Bitumen emulsion is a mixture of bitumen and water, stabilized with an emulsifying agent. Nonionic bitumen emulsion is a type of bitumen emulsion in which the emulsifying agent used is nonionic in nature. This means that the emulsifying agent does not carry any electrical charge.
Nonionic bitumen emulsions are commonly used in road construction and maintenance. They are primarily used as a binder for aggregates to create asphalt concrete, which is used for surfacing roads, parking lots, and other paved surfaces.
Compared to cationic bitumen emulsions, which use positively charged emulsifying agents, nonionic bitumen emulsions are less sensitive to changes in pH and water quality. This makes them more versatile and easier to use in a wider range of applications.
Nonionic bitumen emulsions also tend to be more stable over time, which means that they can be stored for longer periods without undergoing significant changes in their properties. This makes them easier to transport and store, which can help to reduce costs and improve efficiency in construction projects.

Quality of Nonionic Bitumen Emulsion

The quality of nonionic bitumen emulsion depends on several factors, including the type and quality of the bitumen used, the emulsifying agent, and the manufacturing process. Some of the key factors that can affect the quality of nonionic bitumen emulsion include
Bitumen quality: The quality of the bitumen used in the emulsion can impact its performance, durability, and stability. High-quality bitumen with a low viscosity, low penetration, and low ductility is generally preferred.
Emulsifying agent: The emulsifying agent used in the emulsion plays a critical role in stabilizing the mixture of bitumen and water. Nonionic emulsifiers are preferred for their stability and resistance to changes in pH and water quality.
Manufacturing process: The manufacturing process used to produce the emulsion can impact its stability, viscosity, and particle size distribution. Factors such as the mixing speed, temperature, and duration can all affect the final product.
Storage conditions: Nonionic bitumen emulsion should be stored in a cool, dry place to prevent degradation and separation. Exposure to heat or direct sunlight can cause the emulsion to break down and lose its stability.

History of Nonionic Bitumen Emulsion

The use of bitumen emulsion dates back to the early 20th century, with the first patent for a bitumen emulsion being filed in France in 1902. Initially, cationic emulsions were more common due to their ease of manufacture and stability. However, nonionic bitumen emulsions were developed in the mid-20th century and quickly gained popularity due to their improved stability and versatility.
The first nonionic bitumen emulsions were developed in the United States in the 1940s, primarily for use in asphalt paving and maintenance. These early emulsions were made using natural or synthetic surfactants that did not carry any electrical charge, which helped to stabilize the mixture of bitumen and water.
Over time, advances in emulsifying agents and manufacturing processes have led to the development of more sophisticated nonionic bitumen emulsions. Today, these emulsions are widely used in road construction and maintenance projects around the world, offering improved durability, flexibility, and ease of use compared to traditional asphalt mixes.

Usages of  Nonionic Bitumen Emulsion

Nonionic bitumen emulsion is widely used in road construction and maintenance, as well as in other civil engineering applications. Some of the common usages of nonionic bitumen emulsion include:
Surface treatment: Nonionic bitumen emulsion is often used as a surface treatment to improve the durability and skid resistance of paved surfaces. It can also be used to seal cracks and prevent water penetration.
Asphalt paving: Nonionic bitumen emulsion is commonly used as a binder for asphalt concrete, which is used for paving roads, parking lots, and other surfaces.
Soil stabilization: Nonionic bitumen emulsion can be used to stabilize soil, improving its load-bearing capacity and resistance to erosion.
Dust suppression: Nonionic bitumen emulsion can be used to control dust on unpaved roads and other surfaces, improving visibility and reducing health and safety hazards.
Recycling: Nonionic bitumen emulsion can be used in the recycling of old asphalt pavement, helping to reduce waste and improve sustainability.
Overall, nonionic bitumen emulsion offers a versatile and effective solution for a wide range of civil engineering applications, providing improved durability, flexibility, and ease of use compared to traditional asphalt mixes.

Packing of Nonionic Bitumen Emulsion

Nonionic bitumen emulsion is typically packed in containers that are suitable for transport and storage. Common packaging options include:
Drums: Nonionic bitumen emulsion is often packed in steel drums with a capacity of 200 liters (55 gallons). These drums are designed to be easy to transport and store, and can be stacked for efficient use of space.
Bulk tanks: Nonionic bitumen emulsion can also be transported and stored in bulk tanks, which can hold several thousand liters of emulsion. Bulk tanks are commonly used for large-scale construction projects where a significant amount of emulsion is required.
Intermediate bulk containers (IBCs): IBCs are reusable containers with a capacity of 1,000 liters (264 gallons). They are designed to be easily transported and can be stacked for efficient use of space.

Prices Nonionic Bitumen Emulsion

The price of nonionic bitumen emulsion can vary depending on several factors, including the quality and type of bitumen used, the manufacturing process, and the current market conditions. Other factors that can impact the price of nonionic bitumen emulsion include transportation costs, taxes, and tariffs.
In general, nonionic bitumen emulsion is more expensive than traditional asphalt mixes due to the added cost of emulsifying agents and manufacturing processes. However, the benefits of using nonionic bitumen emulsion, such as improved durability and ease of use, can outweigh the higher initial cost.
The price of nonionic bitumen emulsion is typically quoted per liter or per ton, depending on the supplier and the specific product. Prices can vary widely depending on the region and market conditions, but as of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, the average price of nonionic bitumen emulsion in the United States was around $700-800 per ton. It's important to note that prices can fluctuate over time and may be different in other countries or regions.

Delivery time and Readiness of Nonionic Bitumen Emulsion

The delivery time and readiness of nonionic bitumen emulsion can depend on various factors, such as the location of the supplier, the production capacity, and the demand for the product.
In general, nonionic bitumen emulsion can be readily available from most suppliers and can be delivered within a reasonable timeframe.
The delivery time can be influenced by the location of the supplier and the customer. If the supplier is located far from the customer, it may take longer for the product to be delivered due to transportation and logistics.

The readiness of nonionic bitumen emulsion can also depend on the production capacity of the supplier. Some suppliers may have limited production capacity and may not be able to meet high demand, leading to longer lead times. However, most suppliers have sufficient production capacity to meet the demand for their products.
It's worth noting that some suppliers may require advance notice for large orders or custom formulations.
This is because nonionic bitumen emulsion is typically manufactured to order, and suppliers may need to adjust their production schedules to meet specific customer requirements.
Overall, nonionic bitumen emulsion is generally readily available from most suppliers, and delivery times can vary depending on several factors. Customers are advised to consult with their supplier regarding delivery times and readiness of the product before placing an order.

Specifications of Nonionic Bitumen Emulsion

The specifications of nonionic bitumen emulsion can vary depending on the specific product and the intended use. However, here are some common specifications that may apply:
Viscosity: Nonionic bitumen emulsion typically has a viscosity range of 10-500 cSt (centistokes) at 25°C. The viscosity can be adjusted depending on the application and the desired performance characteristics.
Solids content: Nonionic bitumen emulsion typically has a solids content of 50-70%, which can also be adjusted depending on the application.
pH: Nonionic bitumen emulsion has a pH range of 5-7, which is neutral to slightly acidic.
Particle size distribution: Nonionic bitumen emulsion typically has a particle size distribution of 0.1-10 microns. The particle size can impact the stability and performance of the emulsion.

Storage stability: Nonionic bitumen emulsion should be stable for a minimum of 3 months at a temperature of 25°C. Stability can be impacted by factors such as temperature, exposure to air and moisture, and agitation.
Performance properties: Nonionic bitumen emulsion should meet certain performance properties, such as adhesion, cohesion, flexibility, and resistance to water and weathering.
It's important to note that the specifications of nonionic bitumen emulsion can vary depending on the specific product and the intended use. Customers are advised to consult with their supplier for detailed specifications and performance data for their products.

Analysis Table of Nonionic Bitumen Emulsion