Publication Details

Highway Binder Materials From Modified Sulfur-Water Emulsions

Primary Topic: Flexible Pavement

Description: This project had the objectives of developing and characterizing stable modified-sulfur water emulsions using sulfur-extended-asphalt and Sulphlex as base stocks. Anionic and cationic emulsions which had I rapid and slow setting characteristics were studied. Standard asphalt emulsion formulations using base stocks containing sulfur produced unstable emulsions which settled excessively. Reaction of a tall oil with sulfur and asphalt separately, and increased emulsifier concentrations resulted in successful emulsions. Settling characteristics were improved by adding a hydroxyethyl cellillase viscosity builder to the continuous phase. Thirteen sulfur-extended-asphalt emulsions and one , Sulphlex emulsion were produced and then characterized using ASTM 11244 ' and several non-standard test procedures. Emulsion properties are compared to ASTM 0977 and D2397 requirements.

The study concludes that it is possible to formulate and produce stable modified sulfur-water emulsions using sulfur-extended-asphalt or Sulphlex as base stocks. These emulsions have many characteristics which are comparable to standard asphalt emulsions.

FHWA Publication Number: FHWA-RD-82-035

Publication Year: 1982

Document Links: PDF (file size: 45.6 mb)

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