Under what aggregate conditions is anionic bitumen emulsion preferred over cationic grades?

Preference depends on aggregate chemistry and local specifications. Anionic emulsions may be favored where aggregates or construction methods show better compatibility with anionic charge behavior and where water chemistry supports stability. Some aggregates and fillers can cause very rapid breaking of cationic systems, leading to poor coating in certain mixes. The decision should be based on coating tests, breaking tests, and adhesion performance with the actual aggregate and water source. In practice, many markets default to cationic for broad compatibility, but anionic can be justified when performance and availability align.