Interaction between cement and asphalt emulsion and its influences on asphalt emulsion demulsification, cement hydration and rheology

Cement asphalt emulsion (CA) composites which integrate the advantages of both rigidity and flexibility, have been widely used as the key materials in ballastless slab track, semi-flexible base, cold recycling of asphalt pavement. The critical properties of both fresh and hardened CA paste are greatly depended on the interaction between cement and asphalt emulsion, which is reviewed in this paper. The interaction mechanisms are summarized from two aspects: the adsorption of asphalt emulsion on cement grains and the destabilization of asphalt emulsion by cement hydration. The main influencing factors and evaluation methods for both the physical and chemical adsorption of asphalt emulsion, and interaction with Ca2+ are introduced. Meanwhile, the influencing mechanisms of interaction on asphalt emulsion demulsification, cement hydration and rheology of CA pastes are analyzed. Last, the prospective direction for research is also suggested.