The question, “Is Tar Made From Bitumen?” often arises when discussing road construction, roofing, and other infrastructure projects. While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, understanding the distinction between tar and bitumen is crucial. Essentially, they are different substances with different origins and properties, although they share a similar appearance.
Decoding the Difference Is Tar Made From Bitumen?
The short answer to “Is Tar Made From Bitumen?” is no. Tar and bitumen are distinct substances derived from different sources and processes. Tar is a viscous black liquid produced from the destructive distillation of organic materials, most commonly coal. This process involves heating coal in the absence of air to extract valuable byproducts, including coal tar. Bitumen, on the other hand, is a naturally occurring or refinery-produced substance derived from crude oil. Understanding this difference is essential for selecting the appropriate material for construction and other applications.
Here’s a breakdown of their key differences:
- Source: Tar comes from coal, while bitumen comes from crude oil.
- Production: Tar is produced by heating coal, while bitumen is extracted or refined from crude oil.
- Composition: Tar is a complex mixture of aromatic hydrocarbons, while bitumen is primarily composed of high-molecular-weight hydrocarbons.
Bitumen is often used to manufacture asphalt, a common paving material. The properties of bitumen make it well-suited for this application. Bitumen is graded depending on its performance at particular temperatures. These performance grades determine it suitability for different climates. Some examples are:
- PG 64-22: Commonly used in moderate climates
- PG 70-28: Used in hotter climates, provides high resistance to rutting
- PG 58-34: Used in colder climates, provides high resistance to cracking
Here is a little table to showcase the differences:
| Feature | Tar | Bitumen |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Coal | Crude Oil |
| Production Method | Destructive Distillation | Extraction/Refining |
For a more in-depth understanding of bitumen and its properties, consult industry-specific resources and standards for accurate technical details.