Types and classifications of bitumen emulsions

The European standard distinguishes bitumen emulsions into a higher number of grades depending on the breaking behaviour. 

Additionally, bitumen emulsions are designated by the percentage of bitumen content, the type of bitumen or its hardness. 

According to CEN EN 13808 (2013), a combination of letters and numbers is used to describe a bitumen emulsion. The cationic emulsions are designated by the letter C two numbers indicating the nominal binder content one or up to three letters such as B (for paving grade bitumen), P (for polymer-modified bitumen) and F (for bitumen with more than 3% [m/m] flux oil) and a number indicating the class of breaking behaviour. 

As an example, the designation of bitumen emulsion C 69 B 2 means that the emulsion is cationic, its nominal binder content is 69%, the bitumen contained is paving grade bitumen and its breaking value belongs to class 2 (rapid rate of breaking). 

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