Asphalt Emulsions

Asphalt emulsion is a combination of three basic ingredients; asphalt, water, and small amounts of emulsifying agent. In the same process, these components are introduced into a mechanism known as a colloid mill, which shears the asphalt into tiny droplets. The emulsifier, which is a surface-active agent, keeps the asphalt droplets in a stable suspension and controls the breaking time. The result is a liquid product with a consistency ranging from that of milk to heavy cream, which can be used in cold processes for road construction and maintenance.

Applications For Asphaltic Emulsions

Asphalt emulsions are used in cold processes for road construction and maintenance. Emulsions are classified on the basis of how quickly the asphalt droplets will re-coalesce (break and setup). The terms rapid set (RS), medium set (MS), quick set (QS) and slow set (SS) have been adopted to classify the emulsions. A letter “C” in front of the classification denotes cationic systems while the absence of a letter in front of the classification denotes anionic systems.

Rapid set (RS) emulsions are typically used for in chip seals, while quick set (QS) emulsions are used in slurry and microsurfacing applications and for fog seal or tack coats.  Slow set (SS) emulsions are also used for fog seals or as tack coat.

Telfer Pavement Technologies, LLC produces many different types of emulsions to meet the varying demands of its’ customer base.