Chapter 2: Material Types: Media

Unit 1:

Image showing the relationships between asphalt grades by viscosity.

Figure 1: Relationships Between Asphalt Grades by Viscosity

Image showing the different temperature responses of the same AC grades. Binder stiffness is plotted against Temperature.

Figure 2: Different Temperature Response of Same AC Grades

Performance Graded Binders

Table 2: Performance Graded Binders

PG Test Methods

Table 3: PG Test Methods

Illustrates asphalt emulsion

Figure 3a: Asphalt Emulsion Illustrations (4)

Illustrates Emulsion Micrograph

Figure 3b: Asphalt Emulsion Illustrations (4)

Colloid mill cross section shows emulsifier solution and bitumen entering the rotor/stator gap for mixing, and the resulting emulsion leaves the mill.

Figure 4: Colloid Mill Cross Section

An emulsion plant schematic shows that binder is combined with additives, latex, and solvent to produce soap, then enters the colloid mill, then exits for conditioning and storage.

Figure 5: Emulsion Plant Operations Schematic

Chemical Structure of an Anionic Emulsifier

Figure 6: Chemical Structure of an Anionic Emulsifier

Anionic Emulsified Asphalt Particle

Figure 7: Anionic Emulsified Asphalt Particle

Illustration of the chemical structure of a cationic emulsifier particle, showing a polar head with a long polar tail attached.

Figure 8: Chemical Structure of an Cationic Emulsifier Particle

Illustration of a cationic emulsified particle – a bitumen droplet with five positive-charged emulsifier ions.

Figure 9: Cationic Emulsified Particle

Illustration of particle coalescence. First particles begin to flocculate, or stick together.

Figure 10a: Particle Coalescence Process

Illustration of particle coalescence. Flocculated particles then coalesce to form larger particles.

Figure 10b: Particle Coalescence Process

Figure 11: Material Compatibility and Reactivity of Emulsions

Illustration of the chemical reaction between emulsion and aggregate, showing the attraction process that occurs that binds the aggregate to the emulsion.

Figure 12: Cationic Emulsion Physio-Chemical Reaction with Aggregate

An illustration of the curing process, showing that cationic emulsions tend to cure faster because the reaction mechanism pushes water away from the aggregate surface.

Figure 13: Emulsion Break and Cure Stages

A chart shows relative viscosity vs. binder content, illustrating that viscosity increases dramatically when the binder content exceeds 66%.

Figure 14: Relative Viscosity vs. Binder Content

Settlement and Storage Stability Test

Figure 15: Settlement and Storage Stability Test

Sieve Test

Figure 16: Sieve Test

Torsional Recovery Test

Figure 17: Torsional Recovery Test

Illustration of a polymer blending plant shows that asphalt and oil enter the mill system, then is ripened in a tank with mixer, then is stored in a tank with mixer.