In the realm of construction materials, oxidized bitumen plays a significant role, particularly in applications requiring durability, resilience, and adaptability. Among the various grades of oxidized bitumen, 105/15 stands out as a widely used and versatile material. This grade, characterized by its softening point of 105°C and penetration grade of 15, exhibits exceptional properties that make it suitable for a diverse range of applications. These characteristics make it particularly suitable for applications in hot climates and where high durability is required.
What is Oxidized Bitumen 105/15?
Oxidized Bitumen 105/15, also known as Blown Bitumen 105/15, is a type of bitumen produced by introducing hot air into pure bitumen under controlled temperature conditions. This process, known as blowing, alters the physical properties of bitumen, resulting in a harder and more elastic material with enhanced resistance to temperature variations. Oxidized bitumen is widely used in various applications due to its unique properties and versatility.
General Description of Oxidized Bitumen 105/15
Oxidized Bitumen 105/15 or Blown Asphalt 105/15 is based on petroleum bitumen which is made by blowing Bitumen 60/70 by hot air, and it is a semi-solid oxidized grade of pure petroleum bitumen categorized in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and oxidized bitumen normally used for different purposes in the construction business.
Nomenclature and grading for the Oxidized Bitumen products are based on a combination of temperatures. At which bitumen reaches a certain “softness” when being heated up as expressed by the ring and ball softening point test, and the penetration value In addition, the numbers relate to the midpoint of the material’s softening point and penetration respectively. for example, The numbers (105 and 15) relate to the midpoint of the material’s softening point and penetration respectively.
the 105/15 specification means :
- The first number represents the softening point in degrees Celsius (i.e., 105°C), which indicates the temperature at which the bitumen begins to soften and lose its solid state.
- The second number signifies the penetration grade (i.e., 15), which measures the depth (in tenths of a millimeter) to which a standard needle can penetrate the bitumen under specified conditions.
Different Grades of Oxidized Bitumen 105/15
The importance of penetration grade 105/15 lies in its suitability for specific applications where high durability and resistance to deformation are essential. This grade possesses a higher softening point compared to lower penetration grades, meaning it can withstand higher temperatures without losing its shape or becoming fluid. Additionally, its lower penetration depth indicates a higher resistance to indentation and deformation under load.
The penetration grade 105/15 is a critical parameter for oxidized bitumen, indicating its hardness and flexibility. It refers to the depth, in tenths of a millimeter, to which a standard needle can penetrate the bitumen at a temperature of 25°C. In the case of 105/15 oxidized bitumen, the needle penetrates 15 tenths of a millimeter, indicating a relatively hard and less pliable material.
Here are some key reasons why penetration grade 105/15 is important:
- Durability in Road Construction: Oxidized bitumen 105/15 is widely used in road construction due to its ability to withstand heavy traffic loads and harsh weather conditions encountered on roadways. Its high softening point and low penetration depth ensure that the bitumen remains stable and does not deform under the weight of vehicles, even during hot summer months.
- Industrial Coatings: Oxidized bitumen 105/15 is also utilized in industrial coatings for various applications, such as pipe coatings, tank linings, and protective barriers. Its resistance to chemicals, solvents, and water makes it an ideal choice for protecting industrial structures from corrosion and degradation.
- High-Temperature Applications: Oxidized bitumen 105/15 is suitable for applications where high temperatures are expected, such as in roofing membranes and waterproofing systems. Its high softening point prevents it from softening and becoming fluid under intense heat, ensuring the integrity of the waterproofing layer.
- Heavy-Duty Sealants: Oxidized bitumen 105/15 is also used in heavy-duty sealants for joints, cracks, and gaps in various construction projects. Its hardness and adhesion properties make it an effective sealant that can withstand high stresses and maintain its integrity over time.
- Electrical Cable Insulation: Oxidized bitumen 105/15 is employed as an insulating material for electrical cables due to its electrical resistivity and resistance to degradation from moisture and chemicals. Its hardness and flexibility provide mechanical protection for the cables while ensuring electrical insulation.
Manufacturing Process of Oxidized Bitumen 105/15
Oxidized bitumen 105/15 is a modified bitumen produced through a controlled air-blowing process. This process involves blowing hot air through heated bitumen, causing chemical reactions that change the physical properties of the bitumen. The modified bitumen has a higher softening point, lower penetration, and enhanced resistance to weathering and aging. The Manufacturing Process of Oxidized Bitumen 105/15 has 8 steps.
1. Raw Material Preparation:
- Selection: High-quality bitumen is used as the starting material. This is typically obtained through vacuum distillation of crude oil, which separates the heavier bitumen from the lighter hydrocarbon materials.
2. Heating:
- The selected bitumen is heated to a high temperature, generally between 240°C – 260°C, in a specially designed oxidation furnace. This preheating stage prepares the bitumen for oxidation and ensures uniform temperature distribution during the blowing process.
3. Air Blowing:
- Hot air is blown through the heated bitumen at a controlled rate and temperature. The air acts as a catalyst, initiating chemical reactions within the bitumen molecules. These reactions lead to the formation of new chemical bonds, which alter the molecular structure of the bitumen.
4. Cooling:
- After air blowing, the oxidized bitumen is cooled to a controlled temperature. This prevents further oxidation reactions and stabilizes the modified bitumen.
5. Filtering:
- The cooled oxidized bitumen is passed through a filter system to remove impurities and ensure a clean, consistent product.
6. Mixing and Blending:
- Oxidized bitumen 105/15 is often blended with other additives, such as stabilizers or polymers, to further enhance its properties and tailor it for specific applications.
7. Storage and Packaging:
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Storage: The oxidized bitumen is stored in heated tanks to maintain its viscosity and prevent hardening.
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Packaging: The oxidized bitumen is packaged in various forms, such as drums, bags, or pails, depending on the desired size and handling requirements.
8. Quality Control:
- Testing: Regular quality control tests are conducted to ensure that the oxidized bitumen meets the specified standards for properties such as softening point, penetration, and viscosity.
Properties of Oxidized Bitumen 105/15
Oxidized bitumen 105/15 is a type of bitumen that has undergone a controlled oxidation process. This process involves exposing bitumen to air at elevated temperatures, which results in the modification of its physical and chemical properties. Oxidized bitumen 105/15 is a commonly used material in various construction and industrial applications. Here are some of its key properties:
- Softening Point: The softening point of oxidized bitumen 105/15 typically falls in the range of 100 to 110 degrees Celsius. This property determines the temperature at which the bitumen softens and becomes more pliable. It’s an essential parameter for assessing the suitability of the material for specific applications.
- Penetration Value: The penetration value of oxidized bitumen 105/15 is relatively low, typically between 10 and 20 dmm (0.1 mm). This means it is harder and less susceptible to deformation at higher temperatures compared to regular bitumen.
- Consistency: Oxidized bitumen 105/15 has a thicker consistency compared to non-oxidized bitumen. This makes it suitable for applications where increased rigidity and stability are required, such as roofing and waterproofing.
- Thermal Stability: Oxidized bitumen exhibits enhanced thermal stability, making it more resistant to softening and deformation at high temperatures. This property is crucial for materials used in hot climates or in applications where the material is exposed to elevated temperatures.
- Durability: Oxidized bitumen 105/15 is known for its long-lasting properties. It provides excellent durability and resistance to weathering, UV radiation, and chemical degradation, making it suitable for various outdoor applications.
- Water Resistance: The oxidation process improves the water-resistant properties of the bitumen. It is commonly used in waterproofing applications for roofs, foundations, and other structures.
- Adhesion: Oxidized bitumen 105/15 often has good adhesion properties, allowing it to bond well with various substrates. This property is essential in applications where the bitumen needs to adhere to different surfaces effectively.
- Aging: Oxidized bitumen tends to age at a slower rate than regular bitumen, contributing to its long-term performance in various applications.
- Softening Behavior: When heated, oxidized bitumen 105/15 softens gradually and does not exhibit a sudden drop in consistency. This behavior is desirable in applications where temperature fluctuations are common.
Oxidized bitumen 105/15 is commonly used in the production of roofing materials, bituminous paints, electrical cable compounds, and other construction and industrial products that require durability and weather resistance. Its properties make it a valuable material in situations where traditional bitumen may not perform optimally due to its softer nature.
Application of Blown Bitumen
Oxidized bitumen 105/15 is the most widely used for a wide range of tasks such as road construction and hydroelectric installations, but it is also used in the oil and gas industry, the electrical sector, the flooring and mastic sector, and the roofing sector.
- Roofing and Waterproofing: This type of bitumen is widely employed in roofing and waterproofing applications. Its high softening point ensures that it remains stable even in regions with scorching summers. It serves as the foundation for roofing materials and waterproofing compounds that need to provide robust protection against water infiltration and environmental stresses.
- Pavement Sealants and Coatings: Oxidized bitumen 105/15 plays a pivotal role as an essential ingredient in pavement sealants and coatings. Its ability to resist temperature fluctuations and provide exceptional adhesion makes it a preferred choice for safeguarding asphalt pavements. These sealants extend the life of roads and parking lots by preventing water infiltration and minimizing damage from UV radiation and weathering.
- Pipe Coating: The durability and weather resistance of this bitumen variety make it an excellent choice for protecting pipes from corrosion. Applied as a coating, it forms a protective barrier that enhances the life expectancy of pipelines utilized in various industries, particularly in oil and gas.
- Joint Fillers and Expansion Joints: In the construction sector, oxidized bitumen 105/15 is used for creating joint fillers and expansion joints. Its relatively high softening point ensures that it remains effective, especially in hot climates, where it provides secure sealing capabilities in concrete structures subject to expansion and contraction.
- Roofing Felt and Membranes: This specialized bitumen plays a critical role in the production of roofing felt and membranes. It fortifies the overall strength and durability of these materials, ensuring they can withstand years of exposure to the elements.
- Asphalt Modification: In road construction, oxidized bitumen 105/15 can be used as a modifier in asphalt mixtures to enhance their resistance to rutting and cracking, particularly in high-temperature environments.
Benefits of Blown Asphalt 105/15
- Durability: With its high softening point and relatively low penetration value, this bitumen can endure a wide range of temperatures and environmental conditions, offering long-lasting performance.
- Resistance to Weathering: Oxidized bitumen 105/15 exhibits remarkable resistance to weathering, UV radiation, and other environmental factors, making it an ideal choice for applications exposed to the elements.
- Superior Adhesion: It provides excellent adhesion to various surfaces, ensuring a secure and effective seal, a critical aspect for various construction applications.
- Versatility: Its compatibility with a broad spectrum of materials and applications adds to its versatility and value in construction and infrastructure projects.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Blown Bitumen 105/15
Advantages of Oxidized Bitumen 105/15:
- Enhanced Durability: Oxidized bitumen 105/15 exhibits superior durability compared to conventional bitumen due to the air-blowing process it undergoes. The oxidation reactions strengthen the molecular structure of the bitumen, making it more resistant to cracking, deformation, and aging. This enhanced durability makes oxidized bitumen an ideal choice for long-lasting applications, such as road construction, roofing, and waterproofing.
- Weather Resistance: Oxidized bitumen 105/15 is remarkably resistant to the effects of weather, including extreme temperatures, sunlight, and moisture. Its higher softening point allows it to withstand high temperatures without softening or melting, while its low penetration ensures it remains flexible and durable in cold conditions. Moreover, the air-blowing process imparts weather resistance properties, making the bitumen less susceptible to cracking, erosion, and degradation caused by exposure to natural elements.
Disadvantages of Oxidized Bitumen 105/15:
- Environmental Impact: The production of oxidized bitumen 105/15 involves the use of fossil fuels, which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental pollution. Additionally, the manufacturing process may generate volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can be harmful to air quality. Efforts to reduce environmental impact include using cleaner production techniques, implementing energy-efficient practices, and minimizing waste generation.
- Cost Considerations: Oxidized bitumen 105/15 is generally more expensive than conventional bitumen due to the additional processing steps involved. However, the long-lasting performance and reduced maintenance costs associated with oxidized bitumen can offset the initial higher investment. Considering the overall lifespan of the application and the potential for savings in future repairs, oxidized bitumen can prove to be a more cost-effective option in the long run.
Health & Safety
workers should comply with these tips:
- Ventilation: workers anywhere working should have appropriate Ventilation Because Oxidized Bitumen can release fumes when heated, which can be harmful if inhaled.
- Protective Equipment: workers should use heat-resistant gloves, safety shoes, long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, and safety goggles.
- Fire Safety: Workers work with high temperatures for this reason Keep bitumen away from open flames or sparks and have appropriate fire extinguishing equipment on hand.
Capacity of Loading Container
25kg PP Bag: Palletized and Shrink Wrapped
Loading 920 Bag in 20ft Container= 23 Ton Net
25kg Carton Box: Palletized and shrink-wrapped
Loading 880 Carton Box in 20ft Container= 22 Ton Net
Packing of oxidized bitumen 105/15
Oxidized Bitumen 105/15 has a different Packing and you can see some of these packings:
- Meltable Polyamide Bags in (20&25 Kg)
- Carton Box in (20,25&40 Kg)
- Kraft Bags in (20,25&40 Kg)
- Blocks in (20,25&40 Kg)
- Drums in (20&25 Kg)
Specification of Oxidized Bitumen 105/15
| BITUMEN 105/15 | TEST METHOD | UNIT | SPECIFICATION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specific gravity @ 25/25 °c | ASTM D70 | Kg/cm³ | 1.05 approx |
| Penetration @ 25°c | ASTM D5 | mm/10 | 10-20 |
| Softening point °c | ASTM D36 | °C | 100-110 |
| Loss on heating(wt) % | ASTM D6 | wt % | 0.2 max |
| Flashpoint °c | ASTM D92 | °C | 250 min |
| Solubility is CS2(wt) % | ASTM D4 | wt % | 99.5 max |
| Spot test | A.a.s.h.o.t102 | - | Negative |
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