Tar vs. Bitumen — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 11, 2024
Tar and bitumen are both sticky, black substances used in paving and roofing, but tar is obtained through destructive distillation of organic material, while bitumen is a naturally occurring or refined petroleum product.
Difference Between Tar and Bitumen
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Tar is produced by the destructive distillation of organic matter, such as coal or wood, creating a thick, viscous liquid used historically for waterproofing and sealing. Bitumen, on the other hand, is a form of petroleum that is found in natural deposits or obtained as a residue in the distillation of crude oil, known for its durability and used extensively in road construction and roofing.
The primary difference lies in their origin; tar is derived from organic materials and has a broader historical use in maritime and construction industries, while bitumen's petroleum-based origin makes it more prevalent in modern road construction and industrial applications due to its superior binding properties and resistance to water.
In terms of properties, tar has a more fluid consistency when heated and a distinct smoky smell due to its organic origin, whereas bitumen is less volatile and has a higher melting point, making it suitable for hot climates and heavy-duty applications.
Environmental considerations also differentiate the two; tar production and use can release more volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making it less environmentally friendly compared to bitumen. Moreover, the shift towards bitumen in industries is partly due to environmental regulations and the search for more durable and less toxic alternatives.
Comparison Chart
Origin
Derived from the destructive distillation of organic material (e.g., coal, wood).
Naturally occurring or refined from crude oil.
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Usage
Historically used for waterproofing and sealing in maritime and construction.
Widely used in modern road construction and roofing.
Properties
More fluid when heated, distinct smoky smell.
Less volatile, higher melting point, suitable for heavy-duty applications.
Environmental Impact
Produces more VOCs, considered less environmentally friendly.
Preferred due to lower environmental impact and durability.
Modern Relevance
Less commonly used due to environmental and health concerns.
Predominant in contemporary industrial applications for its superior properties.
Compare with Definitions
Tar
A dark, thick liquid derived from the destructive distillation of organic materials.
The shipbuilders used tar to waterproof the wooden hull.
Bitumen
A viscous petroleum-based substance used in road construction and roofing.
The road construction crew laid down a new layer of bitumen for the highway.
Tar
Produced from coal, wood, or other organic matter.
Coal tar is a byproduct of the coke-making process in steel production.
Bitumen
Occurs naturally or as a residue from refining crude oil.
The bitumen used in this project was sourced from the nearby refinery.
Tar
Historically used in maritime, roofing, and road construction.
Tar was essential for sealing the roofs of traditional houses.
Bitumen
Considered more environmentally friendly compared to tar.
Bitumen's lower VOC emissions make it a preferred choice for eco-conscious projects.
Tar
Known for its waterproofing abilities and distinct smell.
The distinct smell of tar filled the air as workers paved the road.
Bitumen
Durable, with a high melting point and resistance to water.
The bitumen's resistance to high temperatures made it ideal for the tropical climate.
Tar
Associated with higher VOC emissions.
The environmental concerns have led to reduced tar usage in favor of more sustainable materials.
Bitumen
Predominantly used in modern infrastructure projects for paving and waterproofing.
Modern skyscrapers often use bitumen-based materials for waterproofing.
Tar
Tar is a dark brown or black viscous liquid of hydrocarbons and free carbon, obtained from a wide variety of organic materials through destructive distillation. Tar can be produced from coal, wood, petroleum, or peat.Mineral products resembling tar can be produced from fossil hydrocarbons, such as petroleum.
Bitumen
Any of various flammable mixtures of relatively nonvolatile hydrocarbons that occur naturally or are obtained by fractional distillation of petroleum. Bitumens are used for paving, roofing, and waterproofing. Also called asphalt.
Tar
A dark, thick flammable liquid distilled from wood or coal, consisting of a mixture of hydrocarbons, resins, alcohols, and other compounds. It is used in road-making and for coating and preserving timber.
Bitumen
A sticky, black, highly viscous liquid or semi-solid form of petroleum, burning with a bright flame. It occurs as an abundant natural product in many places, as on the shores of the Dead and Caspian Seas. It is used in cements, in the construction of pavements, etc.; Mineral pitch.
Tar
A sailor.
Bitumen
(by extension) Any one of the natural hydrocarbons, including the hard, solid, brittle varieties called asphalt, the semisolid maltha and mineral tars, the oily petrolea, and even the light, volatile naphthas.
Tar
Cover (something) with tar
A newly tarred road
Bitumen
Roads sealed with bitumen, as opposed to dirt roads.
Tar
A dark, oily, viscous material, consisting mainly of hydrocarbons, produced by the destructive distillation of organic substances such as wood, coal, or peat.
Bitumen
(Canada) Canadian deposits of extremely heavy crude oil.
Tar
See coal tar.
Bitumen
To cover or fill with bitumen.
Tar
A solid residue of tobacco smoke containing byproducts of combustion.
Bitumen
Mineral pitch; a black, tarry substance, burning with a bright flame; Jew's pitch. It occurs as an abundant natural product in many places, as on the shores of the Dead and Caspian Seas. It is used in cements, in the construction of pavements, etc. See Asphalt.
Tar
A sailor.
Bitumen
By extension, any one of the natural hydrocarbons, including the hard, solid, brittle varieties called asphalt, the semisolid maltha and mineral tars, the oily petroleums, and even the light, volatile naphthas.
Tar
To coat with or as if with tar.
Bitumen
Any of various naturally occurring impure mixtures of hydrocarbons
Tar
A black, oily, sticky, viscous substance, consisting mainly of hydrocarbons derived from organic materials such as wood, peat, or coal.
Tar
Coal tar.
Tar
(uncountable) A solid residual byproduct of tobacco smoke.
Tar
A sailor, because of the traditional tarpaulin clothes.
Jack Tar
Tar
(uncountable) Black tar, a form of heroin.
Tar
(computing) A program for archiving files, common on Unix systems.
Tar
(computing) A file produced by such a program.
Tar
A Persian long-necked, waisted string instrument, shared by many cultures and countries in the Middle East and the Caucasus.
Tar
A single-headed round frame drum originating in North Africa and the Middle East.
Tar
(transitive) To coat with tar.
Tar
(transitive) To besmirch.
The allegations tarred his name, even though he was found innocent.
Tar
To create a tar archive.
Tar
A sailor; a seaman.
Tar
A thick, black, viscous liquid obtained by the distillation of wood, coal, etc., and having a varied composition according to the temperature and material employed in obtaining it.
Tar
To smear with tar, or as with tar; as, to tar ropes; to tar cloth.
Tar
Any of various dark heavy viscid substances obtained as a residue
Tar
A man who serves as a sailor
Tar
Coat with tar;
Tar the roof
Tar the roads
Common Curiosities
What is tar used for?
Tar is used for waterproofing, sealing, and preserving wooden structures, historically in maritime applications.
Why is bitumen preferred over tar in modern road construction?
Bitumen's superior durability, resistance to water, and lower environmental impact make it more suitable for modern road construction.
Where does bitumen come from?
Bitumen is derived from natural deposits or as a byproduct of crude oil refining.
What advancements have been made in bitumen technology?
Innovations include modified bitumens for enhanced performance and eco-friendly alternatives like bio-bitumen.
Can bitumen be recycled?
Yes, bitumen is recyclable, and its reuse is common in road construction to reduce waste and environmental impact.
Can tar and bitumen be used interchangeably?
While they have similar applications, their different properties and environmental impacts mean they are not always interchangeable.
How do the costs of tar and bitumen compare?
Costs can vary based on availability, production methods, and regional factors, but bitumen's widespread use in road construction often makes it more economically viable.
What are the applications of coal tar?
Beyond its historical use in waterproofing, coal tar is used in medicinal products for skin conditions and in the production of industrial chemicals.
How do tar and bitumen differ in properties?
Tar is more fluid when heated and emits a smoky smell, while bitumen is less volatile with a higher melting point.
How has the use of tar changed over time?
Due to environmental and health concerns, tar's use has declined in favor of safer, more sustainable materials like bitumen.
What are the environmental concerns associated with tar?
Tar production and use can release harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other pollutants.
Is bitumen environmentally friendly?
Compared to tar, bitumen is considered more environmentally friendly, though it is still a petroleum product with associated impacts.
What is the future of tar and bitumen in construction?
While bitumen remains essential for infrastructure, ongoing research focuses on sustainable alternatives and improving environmental performance.
What safety precautions are necessary when working with tar and bitumen?
Proper protective equipment and ventilation are essential to minimize exposure to fumes and contact with the skin.
How is bitumen applied in construction projects?
Bitumen is typically heated and applied as a liquid in paving and roofing, solidifying as it cools to form a durable surface.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
