What Is Bitumen?
In material sciences and engineering, the terms “asphalt” and “bitumen” are often used interchangeably to mean both natural and manufactured forms of the substance, although there is regional variation as to which term is most common.
It is a substance produced through the distillation of crude oil that is known for its waterproofing and adhesive properties. Bitumen production through distillation removes lighter crude oil components, such as gasoline and diesel, leaving the “heavier” bitumen behind. The producer often refines it several times to improve its grade.
Bitumen can also occur in nature: Deposits of naturally occurring bitumen form at the bottom of ancient lakes, where prehistoric organisms have since decayed and have been subjected to heat and pressure.
Bitumen, a substance known for its waterproofing and adhesive properties, can occur naturally or be formed through the distillation of crude oil.
It is composed of complex hydrocarbons and contains elements such as calcium, iron, sulfur, and hydrogen.
Asphalt properties change with temperature, which means that there is a specific range where viscosity permits adequate compaction by providing lubrication between particles during the compaction process. Low temperature prevents aggregate particles from moving, and the required density is not possible to achieve. Computer simulations of simplified model systems are able to reproduce some of asphalt’s characteristic properties.
Typically, the production of asphalt concrete involves mixing fine and coarse aggregates such as sand, gravel and crushed rock with asphalt, which acts as the binding agent. Other materials, such as recycled polymers (e.g., rubber tyres), may be added to the asphalt to modify its properties according to the application for which the asphalt is ultimately intended.
Usage:
- Road construction
- Bituminous waterproofing products
- Roofing
- Highways
- Airport runways
- Footways and pedestrian ways
- Car parks
- Racetracks
- Tennis courts
- Damp proofing
- Dams
- Reservoir and pool linings
- Soundproofing
- Pipe coatings
- Cable coatings
- Paints
- Building water proofing
- Tile underlying waterproofing
- Newspaper ink production
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