Asphalt Definitions and Terms

Home Knowledge Base Asphalt Terms Emulsified Asphalt

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Emulsified Asphalt

Emulsified asphalt is an emulsion of asphalt cement and water containing a small emulsifying agent, a heterogeneous system comprising two normally immiscible phases (asphalt and water). The water forms the emulsion’s continuous phase, and minute asphalt globules form the discontinuous phase. Emulsified asphalt may be of either the anionic (electro-negatively charged asphalt globules) or cationic (electro-positively charged asphalt globule types), depending upon the emulsifying agent. The water evaporates upon exposure to atmospheric conditions, leaving the asphalt cement to perform its intended function.