Asphalt vs. Bitumen vs. Tar: What are the Differences?
More often than not, only the most discerning eye can differentiate between bitumen, asphalt, and tar.
Due to their similarities, these three names can be used interchangeably. Due to their dark colour and sticky nature, they are suitable for road building. However, they have distinctive qualities that must be considered before use.
The similarity in some of their qualities make asphalt, bitumen, and tar materials to be frequently used as construction materials for pavements.
In this post, the variances between asphalt, bitumen, and tar are examined, as well as their types and comparisons of their qualities.
What is Asphalt?
Alumina, lime, silica, and asphaltic bitumen are the main ingredients in the asphalt plant mixture.
Asphalt (or asphalt cement) is more commonly used in American English than bitumen.
However, bitumen and sand or gravel are combined to create asphalt outside the United States. Given its strength and adaptability as a pavement, asphalt is typically used in road building.
Various Forms of Asphalt
Asphalt is available in the following forms:
- Cutback asphalt
- Asphalt emulsion
- Asphalt cement
- Mastic asphalt
What is Bitumen?
Bitumen is a by-product of crude oil. Before passing through an air distillation column, crude oil is heated in refineries at temperatures between 300 and 350 degrees Celsius.
Lighter crude oil fractions separate from those that don't boil, and this process leaves behind a sticky residue. This is referred to as the vacuum bottom, which is utilized to refine bitumen.
Pure bitumen makes up 40 to 70% of bitumen from lakes. It is boiled to purge the bitumen of impurities, allowing the water to evaporate completely. A sedimentary deposit with a bitumen concentration of 5 to 15% is referred to as rock bitumen or oil sands.
Various Forms of Bitumen
There are typically five different types of bitumen.
- Cutback bitumen
- Bitumen emulsion
- Plastic bitumen
- Blown bitumen
- Straight run bitumen
What is Tar?
When coal or wood is distilled, tar—a viscous, black liquid—is produced. Given tar's remarkable properties as a sealing and waterproofing agent, it is used as a construction material.
Despite having very similar appearances, bitumen and tar are very distinct substances. Tar melts at a higher temperature, has more carbon than bitumen, and is a better adhesive. However, tar is not frequently utilized in place of bitumen while constructing roadways.
Various Forms of Tars
These are some common types of tar.
- Coal tar
- Wood tar
- Mineral tar
Difference between Bitumen and Asphalt
These two terms are interchangeable everywhere in the world. We must be conscious of the fact that bitumen is a sticky petroleum.
It bonds other construction materials effectively to prevent mistakes. This compound is ideal for mixing with sand to form asphalt because of its special adhesive properties. As a result, bitumen and sand are combined to make asphalt. Road paving is done with asphalt plant.
A factory that heats, dries, and combines sand, bitumen, and gravel into a composite mix produces asphalt. Then, in relation to the ultimate use, it is put through a paving machine on the job site as a solid material at a designated or required thickness.
Compared to a bitumen-sealed road, asphalt creates a smoother and more resilient asphalt road surface.
Difference between Bitumen and Tar
When coal or wood is distilled, tar—a viscous, black liquid—is produced. Because of tar's remarkable properties as a sealing and waterproofing agent, we employ it. Despite having very similar appearances, bitumen and tar are very distinct substances.
Tar melts at a higher temperature than bitumen, has more carbon than bitumen, and is a superior adhesive. However, tar is only sometimes utilized in place of bitumen while constructing roadways. Tar is used for various purposes, including skin care, coating wood, and waterproofing.
Difference between Asphalt and Tar
You will spend significant time on the runway while waiting for departure when traveling by airline. One of the most annoying aspects of modern air travel may be getting stuck on the tarmac.
But at least you can be sure that once you're moving again the tarmac will provide you with a flawless transition to the skies.
Tar is a naturally occurring compound made from raw materials such as peat, coal, and wood. On the other side, petroleum is used to create bitumen. Small pebbles, stones, sand, and other filler materials are combined with bitumen as a binding agent to create asphalt.
Conclusion
Asphalt is required to pave or resurface a driveway, parking lot, hardstand, or commercial space. Asphalt is a composite material. Asphalt provides a durable surface for automobiles, trucks, and other heavy machines.
Only commercial vendors utilize bitumen as a glue or sealer for other goods. Tar is used for various purposes, including skin care, coating wood, and waterproofing.