Overview
Bitumen, also known as asphalt, is a viscous, black, semi-solid hydrocarbon derived from the vacuum distillation of crude oil. It is primarily used as a binder in road construction (asphalt concrete) and waterproofing applications due to its adhesive and waterproofing properties. Bitumen grades vary in penetration, viscosity, and performance characteristics depending on climatic and engineering requirements.

Technical Characteristics

• Appearance: Black, highly viscous, sticky solid/semi-solid at ambient temperature
• Density @ 25°C: ~1.0–1.05 g/cm³
• Softening Point (Ring & Ball, ASTM D36): 35–70°C (depending on grade)
• Penetration (ASTM D5 @ 25°C):
  • Typical grades: 40/50, 60/70, 80/100 (higher penetration = softer bitumen)
• Viscosity (ASTM D2171, @ 60°C): Grade-dependent, typically 200–3,000 Poise
• Flash Point (Cleveland Open Cup): > 230°C
• Solubility in Trichloroethylene: > 99% (ASTM D2042)
• Ductility @ 25°C (ASTM D113): > 100 cm (for paving grades)

Specifications & Standards

• Produced in accordance with ASTM, AASHTO, EN 12591, and BS 3690 standards
• Common commercial grades:
  • Penetration Grade Bitumen (40/50, 60/70, 80/100, etc.)
  • Viscosity Grade Bitumen (VG-10, VG-20, VG-30, VG-40)
  • Performance Grade (PG Bitumen, e.g., PG 64-22, PG 76-22)

Applications

• Road Construction & Paving: Asphalt concrete, surface dressing, and highway infrastructure
• Roofing & Waterproofing: Protective coatings, roofing felts, and membranes
• Industrial Use: Adhesives, paints, corrosion protection, soundproofing materials
• Bitumen Emulsions & Cutbacks: Used in cold-mix paving, priming, and surface treatments

Performance Advantages

• Adhesive Properties: Excellent binding of aggregates in road construction
• Waterproofing: Impermeable barrier in roofing and civil works
• Durability: Resistant to weathering and chemical degradation
• Versatility: Available in multiple grades to suit different climates and engineering specifications

Handling & Storage

• Stored in heated steel tanks at 150–180°C to maintain pumpability
• Must be handled using insulated pipelines and pumps to prevent solidification
• Requires safety precautions due to high handling temperatures
• Avoid contamination with water, which can cause foaming and spattering during heating

Compliance & Testing

• Verified under ASTM, AASHTO, and EN test methods including penetration (ASTM D5), softening point (ASTM D36), ductility (ASTM D113), and viscosity (ASTM D2171)
• Supplied with third-party inspection reports (SGS, Intertek, CIQ) confirming Quality & Quantity (Q&Q)

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