Bitumen Vs. Asphalt: What Are the Key Differences?

In today’s world of construction, bitumen vs asphalt is a trendy discussion among experts. While bitumen is a single substance, asphalt is a mixture of different elements containing bitumen. In fact, bitumen is a sticky petroleum that bonds other asphalt materials effectively. This high-quality asphalt is used in road paving and other construction projects. That is why they have so many features and properties in common. Choosing between asphalt and bitumen depends on different factors. Asphalt supplies offer a higher level of durability, while bitumen is more cost-efficient. Keep reading this blog to learn more about bitumen vs asphalt and make the wisest choice.

What Are the Main Differences Between Bitumen and Asphalt?

There are three key elements to consider if you need a comprehensive vision of bitumen vs asphalt. The composition, application, and properties of these two can provide you with a helpful comparison of their differences.

Properties

Factor	Bitumen	Asphalt
Thermoplastics	It is a thermoplastic material.	Asphalt includes bitumen, which is a thermoplastic material.
Water Solubility	It is insoluble.	It is insoluble.
Oxidation Speed	It oxidizes slowly.	It oxidizes more slowly.
Adhesiveness	It is adhesive.	It is adhesive due to the bitumen.
Versatility	It has good durability.	It has excellent durability.
Insulation	It offers good insulation for electricity, heat, and sound	It depends on the mixture.
Waterproofness	It is waterproof.	It is waterproof.
Absorbency	It has low absorbency.	It is non-absorbent.
Nature	It is colloidal in nature.	It is colloidal in nature.
Water Permeability	It has a high water impermeability.	It has a high water impermeability.
Economic Strength	It is a cost-effective option.	It is a long-term paving investment.
Elasticity	It is less resilient and elastic.	It is more resilient and elastic.
Melting, Boiling, or Freezing Point	It does not have a specific point.	It depends on the mixture.
Durability	It is less durable.	It is more durable.
Toughness	It provides less structural strength.	It provides more structural strength due to the presence of aggregates.

Composition Advantages

Approximately 90% to 95% of the asphalt mass comprises aggregates, including rocks and sand. These components are effectively bonded together by bitumen, a substance obtained through the process of petroleum distillation. Bitumen is available in either liquid or glassy solid form. The crucial difference is that bitumen is a single, unique substance, while asphalt is a combination of various materials.

Factor	Bitumen	Asphalt
Durability	It lasts for 5 or 6 years and does not have a long lifespan.	It is durable and can last even for 20 years.
Price	It is cheaper.	It is more expensive but returns your money in the long term.
Recyclability	It is recyclable.	It is recyclable. It gets reheated and reused.

Generally speaking, asphalt offers considerable composition advantages. It provides drivers with a smoother ride than other pavement materials. It is safe, it saves more energy, and it reduces the risk of vehicle wear and tear.

Applications

Bitumen is used in different projects that aim to achieve various purposes.

It is used as an adhesive binder in road construction.
Experts use bitumen as a flooring material.
Due to its waterproofing, it is used as a covering for tanks, roofs, basements, and swimming pools.
Professionals use bitumen to prepare paints that feel flashing.

Yet, asphalt offers more applications.

As mentioned, asphalt is used primarily for road construction.
Asphalt is one of the most common repair options when other pavements need to be repaired.
Experts work with asphalt suppliers to construct driveways and parking lots.
Asphalt properties make it a durable option for building airport runways, aprons, and bridge decks.

What Is Asphalt?

It is the primary covering of parking lots, walkways, and roads. The asphalt is used on different everyday and industrial surfaces, usually made from dark-colored materials. It is also known as flexible pavement since its asphalt properties make it suitable for varied applications. It is a mixture containing different components, such as 5% bitumen as a binder and 95% aggregates. As its primary substance is petroleum, it is evident that hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, and oxygen are the primary elements. It explains why asphalt offers different advantages and uses. Asphalt can create solid and durable surfaces and is offered in various types and features. Cutback asphalt, asphalt emulsion, cement, and mastic asphalt are the most popular options used in construction projects.

Benefits of Using Asphalt

Consider some considerable advantages if you need asphalt for your road construction.

High Durability: Asphalt has a long lifespan and can last over 20 years under a good maintenance routine. That is because a large depth between 25mm and 40 mm is needed to install it.
Safety: Asphalt is more resistant to skidding and it has a smooth surface. It explains how it can reduce the noise of cars and make the roads safer for drivers.
Energy Efficiency: Using asphalt in road construction projects reduces friction as much as possible. Therefore, you can save fuel and reduce your vehicle’s wear and tear.
Coolness: The asphalt absorbs less heat, which ensures a better driving experience.
Low Maintenance: The road is usually ready to use after 24 hours of applying the new asphalt. If you follow the process correctly, you do not need to worry about repairs, as they may only be required a few times a year.

What Is Bitumen?

As experts of Yasmin Trading explain (on this page), bitumen is the substance that attaches asphalt materials together. Professionals produce bitumen by distilling crude oil between 300 and 350 degrees Celsius. At the end of this process, a binding and water-resistant adhesive is available to fabricate asphalt. Bitumen supplies offer a wide range of options, including bitumen emulsion, cutback, plastic, straight run, and blown bitumen.

Benefits of Using Bitumen

There are considerable bitumen benefits to consider before investing your money in this material.

Cost Efficiency: If you seek a quick and cost-efficient solution to resurface an area, bitumen properties can meet your needs. They are cheaper than other alternative materials and can resurface areas with little traffic.
Recycling: The bitumen doesn’t go to landfills like other paving materials. Although crude oil is the primary substance of bitumen, it can be recycled, which is a unique green quality.

How Can Bitumen Help Professional Projects?

As explained, there are many different reasons to choose bitumen. This material is highly adhesive, waterproof, cost-efficient, and ideally durable. That is why it provides experts with practical applications and is a good selection for many projects. There are three main grades of bitumen to meet various needs.

Surface Course: It covers the surface of the area and is also resistant to rutting and cracking.
Binder Course: It is the layer between surface and base courses.
Base Course: Lower grades if bitumen is used in the base course.

Conclusion

Are you still unsure of the best decision for your project? Here at Yasmin Trading, we offer the highest quality of bitumen supplies in the UAE tailored to your different demands. We Have years of experience in bitumen trading and try to deliver the most top-notch outcomes at cost-effective prices. You can call our experts today for more information!

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Bitumen Vs. Asphalt: What Are the Key Differences?