Experimental study on the stability of asphalt emulsion for CA mortar by laser diffraction technique

A laser diffraction particle size analyzer was employed to measure the particle size variations of two asphalt emulsions under stress conditions to evaluate their storage stability, freeze–thaw stability, and mechanical stability. Results showed that when the dosage of non-ionic emulsifier was increased from 0.4% to 0.8%, the particle size and its increasing magnitude were both reduced, indicating a more stable emulsion. This new method can provide the desired information for fast and continuous evaluation on the dynamical changes of emulsion stability under stress conditions, compared to the traditional storage stability tests.

► The asphalt emulsion stability is evaluated by Laser diffusion technique. ► The increase of alkylphenols polyoxyethylene will improve the emulsion stability. ► The increase of alkylphenols polyoxyethylene tends to hinder the coalescence rate. ► The film strength can be the crucial factor to influence the emulsion stability.