Polybetaines as asphalt emulsifiers

The present invention generally relates to the use of polybetaines as asphalt emulsifiers. More particularly, the invention concerns an improved process for stabilizing an asphalt in water emulsion using certain polybetaines as an asphalt emulsifier. A method of emulsifying asphalt using a polyamine polybetaine, preferably a dibetaine, as an emulsifier or co-emulsifier and an emulsion of asphalt, water and a polybetaine, preferably a diamine dibetaine. The advantages of using a polyamine polybetaine as an emulsifier or co-emulsifier include its ability to provide superior cationic and anionic emulsions, and slow-setting emulsions at low use levels, and the excellent adhesion of the cured asphalt film.