In industrial standards, asphalt emulsion is defined as asphalt binder dispersed as fine droplets in water, stabilized by an emulsifying agent, with classification by ionic charge (cationic, anionic, or nonionic) and by setting behavior (rapid, medium, slow). Specifications typically define residue properties after evaporation or distillation, limits on sieve, storage stability, viscosity, and demulsibility. For trade and procurement, the definition ties to standardized grades and test methods that control consistency, acceptance, and transport handling expectations.