In this section, you’ll find technical product specifications to determine which product is appropriate for your project. If you have additional questions, need more information, please contact us.

Specifications

Emulsions
Asphalt emulsions are divided into three categories: anionic, cationic, and nonionic. Anionic and cationic emulsions are ordinarily used in roadway construction and maintenance. The anionic and cationic classes refer to the charges surrounding the asphalt particles. This identification stems from one of the basic laws of electricity (like charges repel one another and unlike charges attract). The term “anionic” comes from the term “anode,” and has negatively-charged particles. The term “cationic” comes from the term “cathode,” and positively-charged particles. This electric charge in the water phase of an emulsion surrounds the asphalt particle repelling each other keeping the asphalt suspended. A nonionic emulsion has a neutral charge.

Naming Conventions
The letter ”C” in front of the emulsion type denotes cationic. The absence of the “C” denotes anionic or nonionic. For example RS-1 is an anionic, rapid-setting thin emulsion and CRS-2 is a cationic, rapid-setting emulsion with a thicker nature. Emulsions are further classified on the basis of how quickly the asphalt will coalesce; i.e., break or revert to asphalt cement. The terms RS, MS, and SS have been adopted to simplify and standardize this classification. They are relative terms only and mean rapid-setting, medium-setting and slow-setting.

The emulsions are further subdivided by a series of numbers related to the viscosity, thickness of emulsions. Emulsions that are more viscous are termed with a “2” and thinner emulsions have a “1” in their grade. The “h” that follows certain grades means that harder base asphalt is used.

There are also several grades of high-float emulsions designated with a “HF” at the beginning of their grade. Also, there is a quick-set type of emulsion: “QS,” that has been developed for slurry seal applications. The addition of latexes or polymers are designated by a “PM or LM” at the beginning of the grade or an ”R” at he end.