Product
What is bitumen?
Bitumen is a mixture of dense, sticky, viscous organic liquids, which is mainly composed of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, obtained naturally from crude oil distillation.
Naturally occurring or crude bitumen is a sticky, tar-like form of petroleum which is so thick and heavy that it must be heated or diluted before it can flow.
At room temperature, it is much like cold ooze. Refined Bitumen is the residual (bottom) fraction obtained by fractional distillation of crude oil. It is the heaviest fraction and the one with the highest boiling point of 525 °C (977 °F).
PENETRATION GRADE | CUT BACK – MC GRADE | EMULSION | OXIDIZED | VISCOSITY GRADE

Properties of Bitumen
1. Adhesion: Bitumen is capable of adhering to a solid surface in a fluid state depending on the type of the surface. The presence of water on the surface prevents adhesion.
2. Resistance to Water: Bitumen is known as a water proof substance. Under some conditions water may be absorbed by adding slight amount of inorganic salts in the bitumen or filler therein.
3. Hardness: To measure the hardness of bitumen, the penetration test is carried out, which measures the depth of penetration a weighted needle in tenths of mm. of bitumen after a given time, at a certain temperature (generally a weight of 100 gm is applied for 5 sec at a temperature of 77 °F). The penetration is a measure of hardness. Typical results are 10 for hard coating asphalt, 15 to 40 for roofing asphalt and up to 100 or more for water proofing bitumen.
4. Viscosity and Flow: The viscous or flow properties of bitumen are of importance both at high temperature during processing and application and at low temperature to which bitumen is subjected during service. The flow properties of bitumen vary considerably by temperature and stress conditions. Deterioration, or loss of the desirable properties of bitumen, takes the form of hardening which, consequently, decrease the adhesive and flow percentage and an increase in the softening point temperature and coefficient of thermal expansion.
5. Softening point: Softening point is the temperature at which a steel ball be thrown at a known distance through the bitumen when the test subject is heated at a known rate. Usually the test consist of a 3.8-cm-diameter steel ball, weighted 3.5 gm, which is allowed to sink through a 5.8 cm in diameter, 1.4 cm in thick disk of bitumen in a brass ring. The whole subject is heated at a rate of 9 °F per min. Typical values would be 240 °F for coating grade asphalts, 140 °F to 220 °F for roofing asphalt and down to 115 °F for bituminous water proofing material.
6. Ductility: Ductility test is conducted to determine the amount at which bitumen will stretch at temperature below its softening point. A briquette having a cross sectional area of 1 in 2 is placed in a tester at 77 °F. Ductility values ranges from 0 to over 150 depending on the type of bitumen.
Difference between Bitumen and Tar
Bitumen and tar are both viscous dark organic liquids which seep out of the ground. They are also both used as waterproofing and sealing agents in the construction of boats and buildings. They also both have medicinal uses.
Although there are many similarities, there are some differences between bitumen and tar. They include the following.
Composition
Bitumen is primarily composed of aromatic hydrocarbons associated with oil deposits. Tar, on the other hand, can form in association with oil or it can be formed from wood.
Characteristics
Bitumen can occur in solid form or as a dark viscous liquid whereas tar is chemically distinct and occurs primarily as a viscous liquid.
Production
Bitumen occurs naturally and can be prospected from the ground whereas tar is usually produced through distillation.
Characteristics | Bitumen | Tar |
Source | Derived only from sources associated with coal and oil | Can be derived from petroleum or coal and wood |
Occurrence | Occurs in solid form and as a viscous liquid | Usually occurs only as a viscous liquid |
Nature | Can be naturally occurring | Usually needs to be distilled |

· Distillation
Atmospheric and vacuum distillation is known as the most common refining process of bitumen from crude or a crude blend. As observed in the above figure, lighter petrochemical and fuel fractions are detached from the non-boiling component (atmospheric residue) at the bottom of the column through the distillation process. The lighter fractions; comprising, gas oil and fuel oils are foddered to other refinery units. The atmospheric residue is reserved in the specific tankers for bitumen. Toward removing all traces of the lighter fractions and avoiding heat transmission between molecules, the atmospheric residue is led into a vacuum distillation unit, where the pressure reduction lowers boiling temperatures and unwanted thermal cracking.
· Oxidation (Air Blowing)
When blowing air through bitumen at higher temperatures (280°C on average) during its further production process the result will be a product with some altered physical properties that used for certain commercial applications.
Depending on the degree of oxidation, oxidized bitumen categorized into two diverse types: air rectified and oxidized. Oxidized bitumen has a unique stability at room temperature and a rubbery feature which affects how it responds to stress, or imprint. The process of oxidation increases the stiffness and softening point of the bitumen and significantly modifies vital physical properties. Variation in the time during which the oxidation occurs or the amount of air being blown, varies the extent of the reaction and produces distinctive end products. Oxidized bitumen is used in roofing applications, while air rectified bitumen is used in paving applications and some roofing applications.
· Blending
The final bitumen product can be produced to technical specification either directly in the refining process or by blending bitumen with different substances with various physical properties. Blending of higher and lower viscosity residues in the required proportions may take place at the refinery, at terminals or at a third party facility, where blend components and finished products can be easily transported and distributed for use.

What Is Cutback Bitumen?
Adding certain amounts of petroleum distillates such as kerosene to the Bitumen will results in “Cutback Bitumen”. This is done to reduce the viscosity of the bitumen temporarily so that it can penetrate pavements more efficiently and/or to allow spraying at temperatures that are too cold for successful sprayed sealing with neat bitumen. The materials used for cutback bitumen will evaporate after application to leave the remaining material similar in hardness to the original bitumen.
BITUMEN MC 30
BITUMEN MC 30 | ||
CHARACTERISTIC | VALUE | TEST METHOD |
Kinematic Viscosity at 60°C (cSt) | 30-60 | ASTM D-2170 |
Flash Point (top open cup)(°C) | 38 min | ASTM D-3143 |
Distillate, %volume of total distillate to at 360°C: | 25 max | ASTM D-402 |
Residue from Distillation to 360°C (%Vol by difference) | 50 min | |
TEST ON RESIDUE FROM DISTILLATION | ||
Viscosity at 60°C | 30-120 | ASTM D-2170 |
Penetration at 25°C (dmm) | 120-250 | ASTM D-5 |
Ductility at 25°C (cm) | 100 min | ASTM D-113 |
Solubility in Trichloroethylene (%wt) | 99 min | ASTM D-2042 |
Water Content (%vol) | 0.2 max | ASTM D-95 |
BITUMEN MC 70
BITUMEN MC 70 | ||
CHARACTERISTIC | VALUE | TEST METHOD |
Kinematic Viscosity@ 60°C (cSt) | 70-140 | ASTM D-2170 |
Flash Point (Top open cup)(°C) | 38 min | ASTM D-3143 |
Distillate, %volume of total distillate to @ 360°C: | 20 max | ASTM D-402 |
Residue from Distillation to 360°C (%Vol by difference) | 55 min | ASTM D-402 |
TEST ON RESIDUE FROM DISTILLATION | ||
Viscosity@ 60°C (cSt) | 30-120 | ASTM D-2170 |
Penetration @ 25°C (dmm) | 120-250 | ASTM D-5 |
Ductility @ 25°C (cm) | 100 min | ASTM D-113 |
Solubility in Trichloroethylene (%wt) | 99 min | ASTM D-2042 |
Water Content (%vol) | 0.2 max | ASTM D-95 |
BITUMEN MC 800
BITUMEN MC 800 | ||
CHARACTERISTIC | VALUE | TEST METHOD |
Kinematic Viscosity@ 60°C (cSt) | 800-1600 | ASTM D-2170 |
Flash Point (top open cup)(°C) | 66 min | ASTM D-3143 |
Water Content (%vol) | 0.2 max | ASTM D-95 |
Distillate, %volume of total distillate to @ 360°C: | — | ASTM D-402 |
Residue from Distillation to 360°C (%Vol by difference) | 75 min | ASTM D-402 |
Test on Residue from Distillation | ||
Penetration @ 25°C (dmm) | 120-250 | ASTM D-5 |
Ductility @ 25°C (cm) | 100 min | ASTM D-113 |
Solubility in Trichloroethylene (%wt) | 99 min | ASTM D-2042 |
BITUMEN MC 3000
BITUMEN MC 3000 | ||
CHARACTERISTIC | VALUE | TEST METHOD |
Kinematic Viscosity at 60 °C (cSt) | 3000-6000 | ASTM D-2170 |
Flash Point (top open cup)(°C) | 66 min | ASTM D-3143 |
Distillate, %Volume of Total Distillate to at 360°C: | — | ASTM D-402 |
Residue from Distillation to 360°C (%Vol by difference) | 80 min | ASTM D-402 |
TEST ON RESIDUE FROM DISTILLATION | ||
Viscosity at 60°C | 30-120 | ASTM D-2170 |
Penetration at 25°C (dmm) | 120-250 | ASTM D-5 |
Ductility at 25°C (cm) | 100 min | ASTM D-113 |
Solubility in Trichloroethylene (%wt) | 99 min | ASTM D-2042 |
Water Content (%vol) | 0.2 max | ASTM D-95 |
Application of Cutback Bitumen
·
Prime and Tack Coating
The process of priming involves applying a low viscosity binder to a prepared but usually unbound aggregate base. It is intended to be absorbed by the top layers of the base and provide a surface more easily ‘wetted’ by a subsequent bituminous covering. The primer will be able to carry traffic for a short time (although this practice is uncommon) and help control dust. Generally, primers are applied at rates between 0.5 and 1.4 L/m2. Priming-suitable cutback bitumen are also used for tack coats, which are applied to an underlying surface to help with the adhesion of subsequent asphalt layer. A typical application rate is between 0.2 and 0.4 L/m2.
Prime Sealing
Where temperatures are too cold for an effective priming operation, or where traffic is likely to distress a primed surface before the final seal can be sprayed, a primer seal can be used to provide adequate protection of the pavement for periods of up to 6 to 12 months. Cutback bitumen suitable for primer sealing can also be used in the production of pre-mix asphalt, which is used in patch repairs.
Spray Sealing
Cutback bitumen are used more usually in sprayed sealing applications, particularly in colder temperature where they provide improved initial stone retention due to their lower viscosity. Typically, a single application of the appropriate cutback bitumen is sprayed onto the primed pavement onto which aggregate is laid.

What Is Penetration Grade Bitumen?
Penetration Grade Bitumen or Paving Grade Bitumen is a standard bitumen known as a crucial element for road construction and for the production of asphalt with superior qualities, which is very important once it bounds the aggregates and creates a unique cohesion and stability to the bituminous mix. This grade of Bitumen is mainly used in the production of hot mix asphalt for bases and wearing courses. Penetration Grade Bitumen supplied by RDR Energy is petroleum grade bitumen, manufactured from fractional / vacuum distillation of crude oil. The Bitumen supplied by RDR Energy is produced from vacuum residue (short residue) feedstock. Penetration Grade bitumen are specified by the penetration and softening point test. The penetration grade bitumen have a thermoplastic property which causes the material to soften at high temperatures and to harden at lower temperatures. This unique temperature/viscosity relationship is essential when determining the performance parameters such as the adhesion, rheology, durability and application temperatures of bitumen.
The penetration grade bitumen, also known as refinery bitumen, is manufactured at different viscosities. The penetration test is carried out to characterize the bitumen hardness. Thus, it has the name penetration bitumen. The penetration bitumen grades range from 15 to 450 for road bitumen. But the most commonly used range is 25 to 200. This is acquired by monitoring the test carried out i.e. the distillation process. The partial control of bitumen residual fluxing with the oils can help in resulting the required hardness. Penetration grading quantifies the following asphalt concrete characteristics.
· Penetration depth of a 100 g needle 25° C (77° F)
Flash point temperature
· Ductility at 25°C (77°F)
· Solubility in trichloroethylene
· Thin film oven test(accounts for the effects of short-term aging that occurs during mixing with hot aggregate)
· Retained penetration
· Ductility at 25° C (77° F)
Bitumen 20/30
Bitumen 20/30 | ||
CHARACTERISTIC | TEST METHOD | VALUE |
Penetration @ 25°C, 100g, (dmm); 5sec | EN 1426 | 20-30 |
Softening Point(Ring & Ball) | EN 1427 | 65-53 |
Kinematic Viscosity @ 135⁰C | EN 12595 | 530 min |
Solubility % | EN 12592 | 99 min |
Flash Point (Cleveland Open) (°C) | EN 22592 | 240 min |
PERFORMANCE AFTER RTFOT METHOD TEST TO EN 12607-1 | ||
Change in mass, (%wt) | – | 0.5 max |
Retained Penetration 25°C, 100g, 5s (% of original) | – | ≥ 55 min |
Increase in Softening Point (°C) | – | ≤ 8 max |
Softening Point After Hardening (°C) | – | 57 min |
Bitumen 40/50
Bitumen 40/50 | ||
CHARACTERISTIC | TEST METHOD | VALUE |
Specific Gravity @ 25/25°C | ASTM D-70 | 1.01/1.05 |
Penetration @ 25 °C (dmm) | ASTM D-5 | 40-50 |
Softening Point(°C) | ASTM D-36 | 52-60 |
Ductility @ 25°C (cm) | ASTM D-113 | 100 min |
Loss on Heating (%wt) | ASTM D-6 | 0.2 max |
Drop in Penetration after Heating (%) | ASTM D-6 & D-5 | 20 max |
Flash Point (°C) | ASTM D-92 | 250 min |
Solubility in CS2 (%wt) | ASTM D-4 | 99.5 min |
Spot Test | A.A.S.H.O.T.102* | Negative |
Bitumen 60/70
Bitumen 60/70 | ||
CHARACTERISTIC | TEST METHOD | VALUE |
Specific Gravity @ 25/25°C | ASTM D-70 | 1.01-1.06 |
Penetration @ 25°C (dmm) | ASTM D-5 | 60-70 |
Softening Point(°C) | ASTM D-36 | 49-56 |
Ductility @ 25°C (cm) | ASTM D-113 | 100 min |
Loss on Heating (%wt) | ASTM D-6 | 0.2 max |
Drop in Penetration after Heating (%) | ASTM D-6 & D-5 | 20 max |
Flash Point (°C) | ASTM D-92 | 250 min |
Solubility in CS2 (%wt) | ASTM D-4 | 99.5 min |
Spot Test | A.A.S.H.O.T.102* | Negative |
Bitumen 80/100
Bitumen 80/100 | ||
CHARACTERISTIC | TEST METHOD | VALUE |
Specific Gravity @ 25/25°C | ASTM D-70 | 1.01-1.05 |
Penetration @ 25°C (dmm) | ASTM D-5 | 80-100 |
Softening Point(°C) | ASTM D-36 | 45-52 |
Ductility @ 25°C (cm) | ASTM D-113 | 100 min |
Loss on Heating (%wt) | ASTM D-6 | 0.2 max |
Drop in Penetration after Heating (%) | ASTM D-6 & D-5 | 20 max |
Flash Point (°C) | ASTM D-92 | 250 min |
Solubility in CS2 (%wt) | ASTM D-4 | 99.5 min |
Spot Test | A.A.S.H.O.T.102* | Negative |
BITUMEN 100-120
BITUMEN 100-120 | ||
CHARACTERISTIC | TEST METHOD | VALUE |
Specific Gravity @ 25/25°C | ASTM D-70 | 1.01-1.04 |
Penetration @ 25°C (dmm) | ASTM D-5 | 100-120 |
Softening Point (°C) | ASTM D-36 | 42-49 |
Ductility @ 25°C (cm) | ASTM D-113 | 100 min |
Loss on Heating (%wt) | ASTM D-6 | 0.5 max |
Drop in Penetration after Heating (%) | ASTM D-6 & D-5 | 20 max |
Flash Point (°C) | ASTM D-92 | 250 min |
Solubility in CS2 (%wt) | ASTM D-4 | 99.5 min |
Spot Test | A.A.S.H.O.T.102* | negative |
Application
The penetration grade bitumen is widely used for Manufacturing of bitumen emulsions, polymer modified binders and cutback bitumen. It is also used as a tack coat during surface dressing and for the manufacture of hot mix asphalt.
What Is Emulsion Bitumen?
Holding a share of 20% global bitumen use, bitumen emulsions are basically an O/W (Oil on Water solution) a dispersion of bitumen particles on water, stabilized with the addiction of surfactants (Surface active agents) or most commonly known as emulsifiers, that will permit the bitumen to de-diluted in water. They are primarily used for tack coats that use in between hot mix asphalt layers and prime coats for thin hot mix surfacing layers or a chip seal pavements.
Bitumen emulsions are divided into three categories:
· Anionic with negatively charged globules
· Cationic with positively charged globules
· Non-ionic with neutral globules.
BITUMEN CSS-1h
BITUMEN CSS-1h | |||
PROPERTY | MIN | MAX | TEST METHOD |
Viscosity, Say bolt Furol at 25°C,SFS | 20 | 100 | ASTM D244 |
Storage stability Test, 24-h, % | – | 1 | ASTM D6930 |
Particle Charge Test | Positive | ASTM D244 | |
Sieve Test, % | – | 0.1 | ASTM D6933 |
Cement Mixing Test,% | – | 2.0 | ASTM 6935 |
DISTILLATION | |||
Residue % | 59 | – | ASTM D244 |
TEST ON RESIDUE FROM DISTILLATION | |||
Penetration, 25°C(77°F), 100g, 5s | 40 | 90 | ASTM D5 |
Ductility, 25°C(77°F), 5 cm/min, cm | 40 | – | ASTM D113 |
Solubility in trichloroethylene, % | 97.5 | – | ASTM D2042 |
BITUMEN K160
BITUMEN K160 | |||
PROPERTY | MIN | MAX | TEST METHOD |
Viscosity, Say bolt Furol at 50°C,SFS | 20 | 100 | ASTM D244 |
Storage stability test, 24-h, % | – | 1 | ASTM D6930 |
Demulsibility, 35 ml, 8% Dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, % | 40 | – | ASTM D6936 |
Particle Charge Test | Positive | ASTM D244 | |
Sieve Test, % | – | 0.1 | ASTM D6933 |
DISTILLATION | |||
Solvents, By Volume Of Emulsion % | – | 3 | ASTM D6997 |
Residue % | 60 | – | ASTM D244 |
TEST ON RESIDUE FROM DISTILLATION | |||
Penetration, 25°C(77°F), 100g, 5s | 100 | 250 | ASTM D5 |
Ductility, 25°C(77°F), 5 cm/min, cm | 40 | – | ASTM D113 |
Solubility in trichloroethylene, % | 97.5 | – | ASTM D2042 |
BITUMEN K170
BITUMEN K170 | |||
PROPERTY | MIN | MAX | TEST METHOD |
Viscosity, Say bolt Furol at 50°C,SFS | 20 | – | ASTM D7496 |
Storage stability test, 24-h, % | – | 1 | ASTM D6930 |
Particle charge test | positive | ASTM D244 | |
Sieve test, % | – | 0.1 | ASTM D6933 |
DISTILLATION: | |||
Oil distillate, by volume of emulsion, % | – | 4 | ASTM D6997 |
Residue, % | 67 | – | ASTM D6997 |
TEST ON RESIDUE FROM DISTILLATION: | |||
Penetration, 25°C (77°F), 100 g, 5 s | 60 | 250 | ASTM D5 |
Ductility, 25°C (77°F), 5 cm/min, cm | 20 | – | ASTM D113 |
Solubility in trichloroethylene, % | 97.5 | – | ASTMD2042 |
Application
1. Emulsions are used in bituminous road construction work. They are especially helpful for maintenance and patch repair works.
2. Emulsion can be used in wet weather even when it is raining.
3. Also emulsions have been used in soil stabilization, particularly for stabilization of sands in desert areas.
4. A rapid setting type emulsion is suitable for surface dressing and penetration macadam type of construction.
5. Medium setting type is used for premixing with coarse aggregates.
6. In case of fine aggregates, the surface area of aggregate is more and as a result long duration of time is required to mix the emulsion.
7. Therefore slow setting emulsion is preferred which gives sufficient time for uniform blending of the mix.
ADVANTAGES & LIMITATIONS OF BITUMEN EMULSION
ADVANTAGES
· The main properties of bitumen are preserved in emulsion mixes since emulsions do not need hot mixing. Generally cold mixing or just slightly warming the ingredients of the emulsion mix are done for construction of pavements.
· Emulsion can be used in humid weather even when it is raining.
· Emulsions possess anti-stripping properties.
· Emulsions with lower viscosity or thinner consistency improve spreadability and allows better coating of the bitumen on the surface of aggregate.
· There is no depletion during laying and storage.
· Since emulsions are water based, there is less effect on the environment.
· It is the least energy intensive of all construction material: there is no need to heat.
LIMITATIONS
· Not a single type of emulsion is suitable for every work. It depends upon whether the aggregate is acidic or basic in nature.
· The setting time may vary depending on the air temperature, wind velocity and type of emulsion.
· There is a wide range of curing time; a suitable emulsion mix needs to be designed for a particular need, i.e. we need to determine for each case, the optimum quantity of emulsion based on zone, type of emulsion, mix grade and desired mechanical properties
· It has limited storage time (ranging from few days to six months)

What Is Emulsion Bitumen?
Holding a share of 20% global bitumen use, bitumen emulsions are basically an O/W (Oil on Water solution) a dispersion of bitumen particles on water, stabilized with the addiction of surfactants (Surface active agents) or most commonly known as emulsifiers, that will permit the bitumen to de-diluted in water. They are primarily used for tack coats that use in between hot mix asphalt layers and prime coats for thin hot mix surfacing layers or a chip seal pavements.
Bitumen emulsions are divided into three categories:
· Anionic with negatively charged globules
· Cationic with positively charged globules
· Non-ionic with neutral globules.
BITUMEN CSS-1h
BITUMEN CSS-1h | |||
PROPERTY | MIN | MAX | TEST METHOD |
Viscosity, Say bolt Furol at 25°C,SFS | 20 | 100 | ASTM D244 |
Storage stability Test, 24-h, % | – | 1 | ASTM D6930 |
Particle Charge Test | Positive | ASTM D244 | |
Sieve Test, % | – | 0.1 | ASTM D6933 |
Cement Mixing Test,% | – | 2.0 | ASTM 6935 |
DISTILLATION | |||
Residue % | 59 | – | ASTM D244 |
TEST ON RESIDUE FROM DISTILLATION | |||
Penetration, 25°C(77°F), 100g, 5s | 40 | 90 | ASTM D5 |
Ductility, 25°C(77°F), 5 cm/min, cm | 40 | – | ASTM D113 |
Solubility in trichloroethylene, % | 97.5 | – | ASTM D2042 |
BITUMEN K160
BITUMEN K160 | |||
PROPERTY | MIN | MAX | TEST METHOD |
Viscosity, Say bolt Furol at 50°C,SFS | 20 | 100 | ASTM D244 |
Storage stability test, 24-h, % | – | 1 | ASTM D6930 |
Demulsibility, 35 ml, 8% Dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, % | 40 | – | ASTM D6936 |
Particle Charge Test | Positive | ASTM D244 | |
Sieve Test, % | – | 0.1 | ASTM D6933 |
DISTILLATION | |||
Solvents, By Volume Of Emulsion % | – | 3 | ASTM D6997 |
Residue % | 60 | – | ASTM D244 |
TEST ON RESIDUE FROM DISTILLATION | |||
Penetration, 25°C(77°F), 100g, 5s | 100 | 250 | ASTM D5 |
Ductility, 25°C(77°F), 5 cm/min, cm | 40 | – | ASTM D113 |
Solubility in trichloroethylene, % | 97.5 | – | ASTM D2042 |
BITUMEN K170
BITUMEN K170 | |||
PROPERTY | MIN | MAX | TEST METHOD |
Viscosity, Say bolt Furol at 50°C,SFS | 20 | – | ASTM D7496 |
Storage stability test, 24-h, % | – | 1 | ASTM D6930 |
Particle charge test | positive | ASTM D244 | |
Sieve test, % | – | 0.1 | ASTM D6933 |
DISTILLATION: | |||
Oil distillate, by volume of emulsion, % | – | 4 | ASTM D6997 |
Residue, % | 67 | – | ASTM D6997 |
TEST ON RESIDUE FROM DISTILLATION: | |||
Penetration, 25°C (77°F), 100 g, 5 s | 60 | 250 | ASTM D5 |
Ductility, 25°C (77°F), 5 cm/min, cm | 20 | – | ASTM D113 |
Solubility in trichloroethylene, % | 97.5 | – | ASTMD2042 |
Application
1. Emulsions are used in bituminous road construction work. They are especially helpful for maintenance and patch repair works.
2. Emulsion can be used in wet weather even when it is raining.
3. Also emulsions have been used in soil stabilization, particularly for stabilization of sands in desert areas.
4. A rapid setting type emulsion is suitable for surface dressing and penetration macadam type of construction.
5. Medium setting type is used for premixing with coarse aggregates.
6. In case of fine aggregates, the surface area of aggregate is more and as a result long duration of time is required to mix the emulsion.
7. Therefore slow setting emulsion is preferred which gives sufficient time for uniform blending of the mix.
ADVANTAGES & LIMITATIONS OF BITUMEN EMULSION
ADVANTAGES
· The main properties of bitumen are preserved in emulsion mixes since emulsions do not need hot mixing. Generally cold mixing or just slightly warming the ingredients of the emulsion mix are done for construction of pavements.
· Emulsion can be used in humid weather even when it is raining.
· Emulsions possess anti-stripping properties.
· Emulsions with lower viscosity or thinner consistency improve spreadability and allows better coating of the bitumen on the surface of aggregate.
· There is no depletion during laying and storage.
· Since emulsions are water based, there is less effect on the environment.
· It is the least energy intensive of all construction material: there is no need to heat.
LIMITATIONS
· Not a single type of emulsion is suitable for every work. It depends upon whether the aggregate is acidic or basic in nature.
· The setting time may vary depending on the air temperature, wind velocity and type of emulsion.
· There is a wide range of curing time; a suitable emulsion mix needs to be designed for a particular need, i.e. we need to determine for each case, the optimum quantity of emulsion based on zone, type of emulsion, mix grade and desired mechanical properties
· It has limited storage time (ranging from few days to six months)

What Is Oxidized Bitumen?
Oxidized Bitumen or Blown bitumen grades are produced by passing air through the penetration grades. This process results in more rubbery property of the bitumen than its original formula and they are simply harder bitumen. When tempered by controlled temperature, hard bitumen is widely used as an anti-slip layer compound in the piling industry, production of roofing felts, roofing and waterproofing industries, sound dampening felts and carriage sealant in the automotive industry, electric cable joint protection, joint filling compound, sealant compound and many others. It is also used in sealing saw cuts and joints where expected movements are minimum. It is also used in the manufacturing of bituminous marine mastic for the oil & gas pipeline joints.
BITUMEN 85-25
BITUMEN 85-25 | ||
CHARACTERISTIC | VALUE | TEST METHOD |
Specific Gravity @ 25/25°C | 1.05 approx. | ASTM D-70 |
Penetration @ 25°C (dmm) | 20-30 | ASTM D-5 |
Softening Point (°C) | 80-90 | ASTM D-36 |
Ductility @ 25°C (cm) | 3 min | ASTM D-113 |
Loss on Heating (%wt) | 0.2 max | ASTM D-6 |
Flash Point (°C) | 225 min | ASTM D-92 |
Solubility in CS2 (%wt) | 99 min | ASTM D-4 |
BITUMEN 90-15
BITUMEN 90-15 | ||
CHARACTERISTIC | VALUE | TEST METHOD |
Specific Gravity @ 25/25℃ | 1.05 approx | ASTM D-70 |
Penetration @ 25℃ (dmm) | 10-20 | ASTM D-5 |
Softening Point (°C ) | 85-95 | ASTM D-36 |
Ductility @ 25°C (cm) | 1.5 min | ASTM D-113 |
Loss on Heating (%wt) | 0.2 max | ASTM D-6 |
Flash Point (°C ) | 250 min | ASTM D-92 |
Solubility in CS2 (%wt) | 99 min | ASTM D-4 |
BITUMEN 100-115
BITUMEN 100-115 | ||
CHARACTERISTIC | VALUE | TEST METHOD |
Specific Gravity @ 25/25°C | 1.05 approx. | ASTM D-70 |
Penetration @ 25°C (dmm) | 10-20 | ASTM D-5 |
Softening Point (°C) | 85-95 | ASTM D-36 |
Ductility @ 25°C (cm) | 1.5 min | ASTM D-113 |
Loss on Heating (%wt) | 0.2 max | ASTM D-6 |
Flash Point (°C) | 225 min | ASTM D-92 |
Solubility in CS2 (%wt) | 99 min | ASTM D-4 |
BITUMEN GRADE 110/10
BITUMEN GRADE 110/10 | ||
PROPERTY / UNIT | VALUE | TEST METHOD |
Relative density / S.G .at 25°C ,g / ml | 1.01-1.06 | ASTM D-70 |
Penetration at @25°C ,0.1 mm | 105-115 | ASTM D 5 |
Softening point °C (Ring and Ball) | 10-20 | ASTM D-36 |
Flash point °C (Cleveland Open Cup) | 200 | ASTM D-92 |
Loss on Heating %wt by mass | 0.2 | ASTM D-6 |
Ductility at 25°C cm ,min | 2 | ASTM D113 |
Solubility in Toluene %wt min | 99 | EN12592:2000 |
BITUMEN GRADE 115/15
Application
Oxidized Bitumen has a wide variety of industrial applications.
· As a bonding bitumen for roofing sheet membranes.
· As a hot-applied waterproofing layer.
· Carpet tile manufacture.
· As a raw material for liquid bitumen coatings.
· For the production of bituminous paint, mastic.
· For rust proof pipe coatings.
· Used as an anti-slip layer compound in the piling industry.
· Used for production of roofing and sound dampening felts, Used as under carriage sealant in the automobile industry, electric cable joint protection, joint filling compound, sealant compound and much more in our day to day life.

What is Viscosity Grade bitumen?
Viscosity grades Bitumen are categorized according to Viscosity (degree of Fluidity) grading. The higher the grade, the stiffer the Bitumen. In Viscosity Grade, Viscosity tests are conducted at 60 deg. C and 135 deg. C, which represents the temperature of road surface during summer and mixing temperature respectively. The penetration at 25 deg. C, which is annual average pavement temperature, has been also retained in Specifications.
The new method of grading the product has now rested on the viscosity of the bitumen (at 60 C and 135 deg. C). The new grades have thus evolved with nomenclature:
Grades | Minimum of Absolute | Approximate |
VG10 | 800 | 80-100 |
VG20 | 1600 | —– |
VG30 | 2400 | 60-70 |
VG40 | 3200 | 30-40/40-50 |
IS 73:2006 has been released by Bureau of Indian Standards. Three grades of bitumen confirming to IS 73: 1992 are manufactured in India. In this third revision grading of Bitumen is changed from penetration grade to viscosity grade. To improve the quality of Bitumen, BIS revised IS-73-1992 Specifications based on viscosity grade (viscosity @ 60 deg. C) in July 2006.
As per the Specifications, there are four grades VG-10, VG-20, VG-30 & VG-40.
BITUMEN VG 10
BITUMEN VG 10 | ||
CHARACTERISTIC | TEST METHOD | VALUE |
Absolute Viscosity at 60°C , Poises | IS 1206 | Min 800 |
Kinematic Viscosity at 135°C , cSt | IS 1206 | Min 250 |
Flash point (Cleveland open Cup,) °C | IS 1209 | Min 220 |
Solubility in Trichloroethylene, % | IS 1206 | Min 99 |
Softening point. (R&B), °C | IS 1205 | Min 40 |
Penetration @ 25°C, 0.1 mm 100gm, 5 sec. | IS 1203 | 80-100 |
TEST ON RESIDUE FROM TFOT/RTFOT | ||
Viscosity ratio @ 60°C | IS 1206 | Max 4.0 |
Ductility @ 25°C (cm) | IS 1208 | Min 75 |
Specific Gravity @ 27°C | IS 1202 | Min 0.99 |
BITUMEN VG 20
BITUMEN VG 20 | ||
CHARACTERISTIC | TEST METHOD | VALUE |
Absolute Viscosity at 60°C , Poises | IS 1206 | Min 1600 |
Kinematic Viscosity at 135°C , cSt | IS 1206 | Min 300 |
Flash point (Cleveland open Cup,) °C | IS 1209 | Min 220 |
Solubility in Trichloroethylene, % | IS 1206 | Min 0.99 |
Softening point. (R&B), °C | IS 1205 | Min 45 |
Penetration @ 25°C ,0.1 mm 100gm,5 sec. | IS 1203 | 60-80 |
TEST ON RESIDUE FROM TFOT/RTFOT | ||
Viscosity ratio @ 60°C | IS 1206 | Max 4.0 |
Ductility @ 25°C (cm) | IS 1208 | Min 50 |
Specific Gravity | IS 1202 | Min 0.99 |
BITUMEN VG 30
BITUMEN VG 30 | ||
CHARACTERISTIC | TEST METHOD | VALUE |
Absolute Viscosity at 60°C, Poises | IS 1206 | Min 2400 |
Kinematic Viscosity at 135°C , cSt | IS 1206 | Min 350 |
Flash point (Cleveland open Cup,) °C | IS 1448 | Min 220 |
Solubility in Trichloroethylene, % | IS 1216 | Min 99.0 |
Softening point. (R&B), °C | IS 1205 | Min 47 |
Penetration @ 25°C ,0.1 mm ;100g,5 sec. | IS 1203 | 50-70 |
TEST ON RESIDUE FROM TFOT/RTFOT | ||
Viscosity ratio @ 60°C | IS 1206 | Max 4.0 |
Ductility @ 25°C (cm)< | IS 1208 | Min 40 |
Specific Gravity | IS 1202 | Min 0.99 |
BITUMEN VG 40
BITUMEN VG 40 | ||
CHARACTERISTIC | TEST METHOD | VALUE |
Absolute Viscosity at 60°C , Poises | IS 1206 | Min 3200 |
Kinematic Viscosity at 135°C , cSt | IS 1206 | Min 400 |
Flash point (Cleveland open Cup,) °C | IS 1209 | Min 220 |
Solubility in Trichloroethylene, % | IS 1206 | Min 99 |
Softening point. (R&B), °C | IS 1205 | Min 50 |
Penetration @ 25°C, 0.1 mm 100gm, 5 sec. | IS 1203 | 40-60 |
TEST ON RESIDUE FROM TFOT/RTFOT | ||
Viscosity ratio @ 60°C | IS 1206 | Max 4.0 |
Ductility @ 25°C (cm) | IS 1208 | Min 25 |
Specific Gravity @ 27°C | IS 1202 | Min 0.99 |
Application
VG-10 BITUMEN
VG-10 is mostly used in spraying applications such as surface dressing and Paving in very cold climate instead of 80/100 penetration bitumen grade. It is also used to produce Bitumen Emulsion and Modified Bitumen products.
VG-20 BITUMEN
VG-20 is used for paving in cold climate & high altitude regions.
VG-30 BITUMEN
VG-30 is especially used to construct extra heavy duty Bitumen pavements that need to tolerate significant traffic loads. It can be used instead of 60/70 penetration bitumen grade.
VG-40 BITUMEN
VG-40 is used in highly stressed areas such as intersections, near toll booths and truck parking lots instead of 30/40 penetration grade. Because of higher viscosity, stiffer Bitumen mixes can be produced to amend resistance to shoving and other problems related to higher temperature and heavy traffic loads