Bitumen, a substance known for its waterproofing and adhesive properties, can occur naturally or be formed through the distillation of crude oil. It is composed of complex hydrocarbons and contains elements such as calcium, iron, sulfur, and hydrogen.

Where does bitumen come from?

bitumen, dense, highly viscous, petroleum-based hydrocarbon that is found in deposits such as oil sands and pitch lakes (natural bitumen) or is obtained as a residue of the distillation of crude oil (refined bitumen).

What is the raw material of bitumen?

The most common raw material for bitumen production is oil tar or deasphalting asphalts (asphalt and resinous substances). In some literature they are referred to as “deposited bitumens”.