Types of bitumen & applications

Types of bitumen & applications - Buying bitumen

Bitumen is a dark brown or black, non-crystalline and highly viscous substance with adhesive and waterproof properties. It is soluble in organic solutions such as toluene and carbon disulfide. This substance is mainly composed of hydrocarbons, which typically contain around 80% carbon and 15% hydrogen. It is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons and other compounds that gives it unique physical and chemical properties.

What are the features?

It is a highly strong and resilient adhesive substance, capable of binding an extensive range of materials, even when their properties do not match. The durability of this adhesive is critical for significant engineering projects, including the construction of roads and waterways that require a lifespan of 20 years or more.

It is insoluble in water and can act as an effective waterproofing insulator. It also resists most acids, alkalis and salts and does not contaminate water, so it can be used for water flow lines.

The substance in question is a type of thermoplastic material that has the unique property of becoming liquid when exposed to heat and solidifying when it cools down. This characteristic makes it highly versatile and easy to work with, as it can be liquefied using one of three methods: through the application of heat, by dissolving it in petroleum solvents, or by dispersing it in water as an emulsion. This allows for the material to be easily spread and applied in areas where it is needed.

The mineral aggregate mix used in road construction requires a material that provides controllable flexibility, and this is why it is widely used. This material is available at an affordable cost almost everywhere in the world.

What are the applications of this substance?

The applications of bitumen are diverse and can be categorized into road construction, industrial applications, waterproofing of buildings, and electrical insulation. However, it is important to note that the primary use of this material is in road construction.

Producers and buyers of this substance

China, United States, Canada, Russia, Venezuela, Iran, Mexico, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates were the top 10 producers of bitumen in 2022.

China, India, United States, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, Japan, and Malaysia were the top 10 buyers of this substance in 2022.

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Types of bitumen & applications - Buying bitumen