Microsurfacing

Overview
Microsurfacing is a thin cold mix overlay for the repair or preventive maintenance of highways or
airfields. It consists of a mixture of continuously or sometimes gap graded aggregate, reactive filler
such as cement or lime, water, break control additive and asphalt emulsion which is applied to the
road, sets within 15 to 30 minutes, and may be trafficked in 1 hour. The aggregate typically has a top
size of 6mm -10mm. Fibers are sometimes included to improve consistency. The process is similar to
Slurry Seal but employs a coarser graded aggregate and polymer modified asphalt emulsion. Unlike
slurry seal, microsurfacing may be applied in multiple layers to correct significant deformations
including rutting. The appearance is similar to that of a thin hot applied overlay but with higher
texture depth.
The list below shows what is achievable with microsurfacing.

Improvement of skid resistance

Rut-filling
Correction of effects of raveling
Filling of small potholes
Good texture depth/surface drainage
Correction of flushed surfaces or stripped chipseals
Sealing of base courses
Wearing surface on stabilized bases

Microsurfacing is normally mixed and applied by using a purpose designed mobile mix paver. Prior to
the application, the surface to be sealed should be swept to remove all dust and loose materials and
any major cracks should be sealed with a suitable product. Water or tack coat is sometimes applied to
ensure that the new layer wets out and adheres to the existing surface. After application care should be
taken to protect the microsurfacing from traffic until adequate strength is obtained - this is normally
required to be within one hour.
Emulsions
Asphalt emulsions suitable for microsurfacing must be specially formulated on the basis of laboratory
evaluations with the actual aggregates and fillers to be used in the job. They are generally cationic
emulsions which fall in the class of polymer modified cationic slow-setting grades. The emulsions
contain natural rubber or SBR latex or SBS or EVA modified bitumen. Cationic emulsions formulated
with phosphoric acid can offer advantages. In regions with hotter climates there may be a minimum
softening point specification for the residual binder (typically 57°C).
Emulsion Formulation
Emulsions for quick-set microsurfacing need to provide good early cohesion and also good final
properties of the seal as determined by a mix design with the job aggregates. Latex may be used in the
emulsion recipe.
Akzo Nobel emulsifiers provide sufficient mix time even at elevated temperatures while still giving
good cohesion development in cooler conditions. Cement or lime may be used as filler. The emulsion
recipe is tailor-made for the specific aggregates to be used and for the season. Combinations of
emulsifiers often offer the best performance and the flexibility to modify the reactivity depending on
the time of year or weather conditions.
Break control additives such as Redicote E-11, Redicote C-500 may be used in hot conditions to
provide sufficient mix time with cationic quick-set systems.
Microsurfacing emulsion recipes typically use low soap pH of 0.8-2.0

Recommended Products
Cationic Emulsifier (conventional HCl systems) – Redicote C-500
Additives to increase mix time (Break Retarders) - Redicote E-11, Redicote C-500.
Cohesion Builder - Redicote 540

General Formulation*
Bitumen 60
Redicote C-500 0.7 – 2.0
Redicote E-11 0.1 – 0.25
Redicote 540 0.25 – 0.50
Hydrochloric acid 0.6 – 2.0
pH Soap 1.0 – 2.0
Latex 2.0 – 3.5
Water To 100

This is a general formulation; the % of ingredients may need to vary from case to case.
REDICOTE® C-500
Application
Emulsifier for cationic quick-set asphalt emulsions for quick-traffic slurry surfacing and
microsurfacing.

Advantages
Reactive aggregates: Emulsions made with Redicote C-500 can be used with reactive aggregates and
in hot weather conditions. The product provides long mix time but also good cohesion development.
Standard Aggregates: Redicote C-500 can be combined with Redicote 540 in emulsion recipes
designed to improve cohesion.

Storage and Handling

Redicote C-500 may be stored in carbon steel tanks. Bulk stores should be maintained at 45-65 °C
(115-150°F). Avoid heating to above 65°C (150°F). Protect against exposure to moisture. Redicote C-
500 contains amines and may cause severe irritation or burns to skin and eyes. Protective gloves and
safety goggles must be used when handling this product. For further information, consult the Material
Safety Data Sheet.

Packaging Information
Redicote C-500 is available in bulk delivery or in 55-gallon tight-head drums of 400 lbs. (182 kg.) net
weight.
Break Retarders
In order to extend mix times in hot weather, break retarder (dope) may be added on the slurry
paver. In microsurfacing systems, the effect of the break retarder should be determined as
part of the mix design process.
AkzoNobel offers low viscosity, water-soluble chemical retarders.
Redicote E-11
The product is a powerful retarder suitable for all slurry types including slurries based on
phosphoric acid. This high flash point, fully water-soluble product can be added to the pre-
wet water either undiluted or diluted in water. Because of its neutral character and water
solubility it can also be added directly to the emulsion when necessary.
Redicote C-500
This product is water soluble to 5%, or can be added undiluted to the water line when the
paver is suitably equipped. It provides extended mix time while still ensuring good cohesion
development.