Bitumen Emulsion SS1: Properties, Uses and Applications

By Art Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. | Bitumen Manufacturers & Suppliers

If you have ever watched a road crew spray a thin black layer on old pavement before the new asphalt goes down, you have seen bitumen emulsion at work. Among the different grades, SS1 bitumen emulsion is the one contractors reach for when they want a product that gives them time to work. Here is what it is, how it behaves and where it fits on a job.

What Is SS1 Bitumen Emulsion?

An emulsion is simply bitumen broken into tiny droplets and held in water with the help of an emulsifier. In a cationic bitumen emulsion, those droplets carry a positive charge. Most road aggregates carry a negative charge, so the two attract each other and the bitumen sticks well, even on damp stone.

The "SS" stands for slow setting. The emulsion does not break the moment it touches aggregate or the road surface. It stays workable for longer, and then the water evaporates and the bitumen is left behind as a binder.

Key Properties

• Slow breaking: it gives you time to mix with fine aggregate or fillers before it sets.
• Water-based: no heating is needed to apply it, and it can be diluted with water for light coats.
• Good adhesion: the positive charge helps it bond to most local aggregates.
• Low viscosity: it flows and sprays easily, so coverage is even.
• Bitumen content: usually around 60% by weight, with the rest being water and a small amount of emulsifier. Always check the exact figures on the test report of the batch you are buying.

Where Is SS1 Used?

• Tack coat: the most common use. A diluted coat between old and new layers so they bond properly.
• Slurry seal and micro surfacing: slow setting suits mixes that need to be laid before the emulsion breaks. For this kind of work see our micro surfacing emulsion.
• Fog seal: a light spray on ageing pavement to seal fine cracks and slow down oxidation.
• Cold mix and patching: mixing with aggregate for repair work in places where hot mix is not practical.
• Soil stabilization: binding loose soil or sub-base material on low-volume roads.

A Few Practical Tips from the Field

Do not apply it on a wet, muddy or dusty surface. Sweep the road clean first. Stir the emulsion before use if it has been standing, because the droplets can settle. Keep it away from freezing temperatures, and never mix different types of emulsion in the same tank. Spray rates depend on the surface and the project specification, so follow your MoRTH or IRC guidelines rather than guessing.

SS1 vs RS1 vs SS2

Think of it as a question of how fast you need the emulsion to set. RS1 is rapid setting and is used for spray applications like surface dressing. SS1 sits in the middle, slow enough to mix and light enough for tack coats. SS2 is also slow setting but a bit thicker, used where a heavier binder film is wanted. If you are unsure, tell your supplier what the job is and they can suggest the right one.

Buying SS1 Emulsion: What to Ask For

• A batch-wise test report from the lab, not just a datasheet.
• Confirmation that the product meets the relevant IS specification.
• Bulk tanker delivery and drum options, depending on your site.
• Delivery time to your project location, since emulsions are best used fresh.

Supply from Art Infrastructure

Art Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. has been in the bitumen business since 2013, led by civil engineer Mr. Rajesh Tiloda, who has over 20 years of experience with bitumen and its derivatives. From Mumbai, we work as a bitumen supplier in India, with storage points across Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and West Bengal, and our own tanker fleet for delivery. Besides emulsions, we also supply VG 30 and VG 40 paving grade bitumen, PMB and CRMB for road projects.

Planning a road or maintenance project? Browse our full product range or contact our team for quotations and technical details.