Description of Bitumen 85/100
Bitumen 85/100 is a high-grade refined petroleum product used primarily for road construction and water-proofing. It has a dark brown to black color, is semi-solid at the temperature of an ordinary room, and becomes viscous when heated. It is produced through non-destructive distillation of crude oil and is identified by its equilibrated penetration and viscosity properties, making it suitable for use in cold weather conditions.
Understanding Penetration Grade 85/100
The term “85/100” is employed to indicate the penetration value of the bitumen, in tenths of a millimeter at 25°C. A reading of between 85 and 100 indicates that the grade is fairly soft, with good workability, flexibility, and resistance to cold weather cracking.
Applications of Bitumen 85/100
Bitumen 85/100 is essential for the building of long-lasting infrastructure and industrial products. Some common applications are:
Road Construction : Used as a binder in asphalt mixes, Bitumen 85/100 provides flexible and resilient road surfaces. It is ideal for use in regions with cold climates where thermal cracking is a problem.
Pavement Preservation: It is typically used in surface treatments such as micro-surfacing and slurry seals that extend pavement life and enhance resistance to wear and tear.
Waterproofing and Roofing: Owing to its water-resistant properties, this type of bitumen is apt for waterproofing flat roofs, foundations, and basements.
Industrial Applications: Industrial production of sealants, protective coatings, and adhesives utilizes Bitumen 85/100 owing to its binding and insulating properties in industrial applications.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Penetration Value
Between 85 and 100, this property signifies the material’s softness, making it easy to apply and resistant to cracking.
Viscosity
Its moderate range viscosity provides ease of blendability with aggregates, but maintains structural integrity to roads and surfaces.
Adhesion and Cohesion
Good bonding with aggregates is provided by good adhesion, while high cohesion prevents deformation and disintegration.
Durability
Bitumen 85/100 resists traffic loading and temperature fluctuation, enhancing the life expectancy of roads and structures.
Packaging Forms of Bitumen 85/100
Bitumen 85/100 is available in various types of packaging to suit transportation and storage needs:
1 MT Jumbo Bag (cage and pallet): 20 MT in 20 ft container
1 MT Jumbo Bag (cage and pallet-free): 20 MT in 40 ft container
1300 kg Jumbo Bag: 26 MT in 40 ft container
180 kg New Steel Drum: 110 drums per 20 ft container
375 kg Bitubag: 24 MT in 20 ft container
Bulk Vessel: 2,000 to 20,000 MT depending on the size of vessel
Flexi Bag: 20 MT per container
Tanker Truck: 25 MT per load
Conclusion
Bitumen 85/100 is a regular and all-purpose bitumen grade with widespread use in road construction, waterproofing, and industrial manufacture. With a combination of flexibility, hardness, and easy application, it is specially favored in cold weather and hard conditions. With provision for packaging and distribution, it meets the demands of global construction and engineering industries.
Specification of Bitumen Penetration 85/100
| Bitumen 85/100 | Test method | Unit | Specification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specific gravity @ 25°c | ASTM D70 | Kg/cm3 | 1.01/1.06 |
| Penetration @ 25°c | ASTM D5 | mm/10 | 85/100 |
| Softening point °c | ASTM D36 | °C | 41/49 |
| Ductility @25 °c | ASTM D113 | Cm | 100 min |
| Loss on heating(wt) % | ASTM D6 | wt % | 0.2 max |
| Drop in penetration after heating % | ASTM D5-D6 | % | 20 max |
| Flash point c | ASTM D92 | °C | 250 min |
| Solubility is CS2(wt) % | ASTM D4 | wt % | 99.5 min |
| Spot test | A.A.S.H.O.T102 | _____ | Negative |
