Chemical surfactants that act as emulsifiers are classified according to the electrochemical charge obtained when they are separated in a water solution. In the case of CATIONIC EMULSIONS the chemical charge is POSITIVE. The chemical type and amount of surfactant used in the manufacturing process determines the process in which the resulting asphalt emulsion can be used.

In CSS-1 and CSS1-H, called Cationic Slow Setting, the breakage is slow enough to allow mixing with the aggregate containing fine material with relatively high surface area.