Bitumen is used for paving and waterproofing.
Bitumen is the generic name for various substances found in nature and whose main components are hydrogen and carbon . When bitumen - a term derived from the Latin word bitūmen - is brought to the fire, it emanates a characteristic aroma and very thick smoke.
Also called bitumen , bitumen can be a product derived from tar (a dark, viscous liquid substance obtained from the distillation of petroleum, coal, wood and other materials). Bitumen, in this sense, is used for paving and waterproofing .
The paving of roads (such as roads or routes, streets and avenues) and the waterproofing of boats are two of the uses of bitumen, which can contain lead , mercury, arsenic and sulfur, among other elements.
shoe polish
Shoe polish is a mixture of different components that, either as a cream or in liquid format, is used to protect, shine and beautify leather products. This type of substance began to be manufactured on an industrial level in the 20th century, including paraffin, gum arabic and other elements.
Although in many Spanish-speaking countries it is called the same way, this product to improve the appearance of shoes receives other names, such as the following: in Spain , shoe cream ; in Venezuela , shoe cream ; in Mexico , shoe wax, coating or grease , but also shoe paste ; In Argentina and Uruguay , meanwhile, it is known as shoe ointment or shoe ointment .
The human need to oil their shoes dates back several centuries, and to do so they have used various substances. Initially, this technique, which also extends the life of shoes , was carried out using tallow or waxes, among other products of natural origin. As mentioned above, its modern formula is different; Among its ingredients, there are some that can be harmful to our skin, given their toxicity.
Since the beginning of the 19th century , the popularity of this type of shoe polish began to grow, as well as that of footwear , both leather and synthetic materials. Although it is unfortunate, the need to polish soldiers' boots during the World Wars was a determining factor in this increase. Among the most popular brands internationally is Kiwi , which is originally from Australia and was founded in 1904 .
Shoe polish is used to protect leather footwear and give it shine.
home preparation
Some people prefer to prepare the frosting themselves, either for economic reasons or to achieve very specific results. The ingredients for a very common neutral bitumen recipe are paraffin , carnauba wax, colorant, solvent and mirbanum essence; Regarding materials, a pot, a wooden spoon and plastic or metal containers are enough.
The procedure is relatively simple:
- Melt the wax with the paraffin and stir until the mixture melts.
- Remove from heat and add the solvent , continuing to stir.
- Add the essence of mirbano, which provides the aroma that we usually associate with bitumen.
- Let the temperature drop and, when the mixture is almost solid, pour it into the containers.
If we want to obtain a particular color, then we must add the desired colorant before the solvent.
Various types of bitumen
Judean bitumen , on the other hand, is known as the asphalt that comes from the Dead Sea and a thick oil used to age works created by hand.
Spackle (a paste made from ground glass, oil, lime, and oakum and used to cover joints) and cake or candy topping made from egg whites and sugar are also called frosting.