Influence by chemical constitution of aggregates on demulsification speed of emulsified asphalt based on UV-spectral analysis

Abstract Emulsified asphalt as an indispensable raw material for pavement engineering construction is subjected to various combinations of aggregates and varying environmental conditions leading to uncontrollable demulsification speed. In this respect, this research examined the influence of chemical composition of aggregate on emulsified asphalt demulsification speed. Three representative types of domestic road limestone aggregates with various appearances were studied by chemical analysis method. Experimental results indicate that the Magnesium oxide, alumina, calcium oxide, ferric oxide and silicon oxide were the main chemical compositions of limestone aggregate and their contents varied significantly among different types of aggregate. Ultraviolet spectrophotometry was used to evaluate effects of each chemical component on the demulsification speed of emulsified asphalt. Results indicate that mixing ratio of chemical components has a significant effect on demulsification speed of asphalt emulsion. Magnesium oxide accelerated the demulsification speed of emulsified asphalt, while calcium oxide showed an opposite trend. Iron oxide, alumina and silica had little effect on the speed of demulsification. Finally, grey correlation analysis was performed, and a clear relationship was established. The results which are expressed as the magnesium oxide, alumina, iron oxide and silicon dioxide content with differing ratio in the aggregate affected significantly on the demulsification speed of emulsified asphalt. However, there is no clear relationship between the demulsification speed and emulsified asphalt when the ratio of the calcium oxide content is changed.