Title: Asphalt
Additional Names: Asphaltum; mineral pitch; Judean pitch; bitumen
Literature References: Bituminous substance resulting from petroleum by evaporation of lighter hydrocarbons and partial oxidation of the residue. Occurs in West Indies (chiefly Trinidad), Venezuela, Dead Sea, Switzerland, etc.
Properties: The "Syriac" asphalt (from the Dead Sea) forms deep black, shining, brittle masses of conchoidal fracture; faint, pitch-like odor and luster. Burns with a bright flame. d 1.00-1.18. Insol in water, alc, acids, alkalies. Sol in oil turpentine, petroleum, CS2, chloroform, ether, acetone.
Density: d 1.00-1.18
CAUTION: Potential symptoms of overexposure to fumes are irritation of eyes and respiratory system. Potential occupational carcinogen. See NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (DHHS/NIOSH 97-140, 1997) p 22.
Use: Making roads, roofs; making tanks watertight. |