Coal Tar Information- Coal Tar vs. Asphalt Emulsions
We use strictly refined coal tar for all sealer work- which is much better than asphalt emulsion for a variety of reasons.
To illustrate this we have provided the following article from a pavecoat.com.
To
the Contractor, Property Manager, and Property Owner
Which is the Best?
Coal Tar vs. Asphalt Emulsions
As a manufacturer of both coal tar emulsion and asphalt emulsion pavement
sealers, we have no preference which sealer the consumer chooses to protect
their asphalt surfaces. However, in the selection process, consumers such as yourself
should have the facts and make an educated decision.
Below is a tabulation of tests comparing coal tar emulsions
and asphalt emulsions.
|
|
Test |
Coal Tar Emulsion |
Asphalt Emulsion |
|
Gas Resistance |
Pass |
Failure |
|
Motor Oil Resistance |
Pass |
Failure |
|
Kerosene Resistance |
Pass |
Failure |
Scrub Resistance
(Durability test) |
4000 cycles |
2400 cycles |
|
Water re-absorption |
1.00% |
3.2% |
|
(The Water re-absorption test is an indicator for durability since water attacks seal coatings causing re-emulsification, which can lead to tracking sealer into your place of business. Low numbers are better.) |
|
Odor |
Some |
None |
|
Skin Irritant |
yes |
yes |
|
Photosensitive |
yes |
no |
|
(This is what causes burning to some contractors but in no way affects the consumer) |
|
OSHA Emission testing |
pass |
pass |
|
(Both showed no detectable amounts or less than 2% of the permissible limits by OSHA of carcinogenic compounds including Benzene, CTPV’s, PNAH’s, or any other compounds of concern.) |
|
Color retention |
pass |
fades |
|
Flexibility |
pass |
pass |
|
Drying time |
pass |
pass |
|
Claims of environmental concerns of coal tar emulsions are unfounded with no factual data and are only a scare tactic. Both coal tar and asphalt are naturally occurring products: coal tar coming from plant matter, asphalt coming from animal matter.
Coal tar will always be more resistant to water, gas, oil, and other chemicals by its chemical make-up. Asphalt will always be less odorous and cause far less burning to the contractor. Asphalt is an advantage to the contractor, but as of this report has less advantage to the consumer when considering protection against UV radiation, gas, oil, chemicals, color retention, and water absorption.
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