What are the main grades of cationic bitumen emulsion?

Rapid-Setting (RS-1, RS-2), Medium-Setting (MS), and Slow-Setting (SS-1, SS-2) (Clause 4).

What is the key difference between RS, MS, and SS emulsions?

The setting or 'breaking' speed after application. RS breaks fastest, MS is moderate, and SS is the slowest, dictating their specific use cases (e.g., surface dressing vs. premixing).

How is viscosity measured for these emulsions?

Using a Saybolt Furol Viscometer at specified temperatures (25°C or 50°C), as per Table 1.

IS 8887

: 2018

Cationic Bitumen Emulsion - Specification

CurrentFrequently UsedSpecificationTransportation · Roads and Pavement

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This standard specifies the requirements, grades, and testing methods for cationic bitumen emulsions used in road construction and maintenance. It covers various types like Rapid Setting (RS), Medium Setting (MS), and Slow Setting (SS) emulsions, detailing their properties such as viscosity, binder content, and storage stability.

Specifies requirements for various grades of cationic bitumen emulsion used in different road construction and maintenance applications.

Quick Reference Values

Viscosity of RS-1 at 25°C (Saybolt Furol)20-100 s

Minimum binder content for MS grade65 % by mass

Maximum storage stability loss for SS-1 (24h)2 %

Particle Charge Test ResultPositive

Minimum binder content for RS-1 grade60 % by mass

Viscosity of RS-2 at 50°C (Saybolt Furol)100-400 s

Ductility of residue at 27°C for RS-150 cm min

Practical Notes

Cationic emulsions are generally preferred with siliceous (negatively charged) aggregates, which are common in India.

The grade selection (RS, MS, SS) is critical and depends on the application: RS for surface dressing, MS for premixing, and SS for prime coat or soil stabilization.

Always verify the 'Particle Charge' test result is 'Positive'; a 'Negative' result indicates an anionic emulsion (covered by IS 3117) and is a major non-conformance for this standard.