Bitumen is a thick, sticky, black substance derived from crude oil. It’s the heaviest component left over after the lighter products like gasoline and diesel have been removed through distillation. IT NEEDS TO BE HEATED FOR MAKING IT USABLE
Key characteristics
- Viscous: Thick and slow-flowing.
- Waterproofing: Excellent ability to repel water.
- Adhesive: Sticks well to various surfaces.
- Durable: Resistant to weathering and degradation.
Common uses:
- Road construction: The primary use of bitumen is in asphalt, a mixture of bitumen and aggregate (rocks, sand).
- Roofing: Used in waterproofing and protecting roofs.
- Pipe coating: Protects pipes from corrosion.
- Sealants and adhesives: Used in various construction applications.
Types of Bitumen:
- Natural bitumen: Found in natural deposits, often referred to as tar or pitch.
- Refined bitumen: Obtained from the refining process of crude oil.
