What is Oxidized Bitumen 85/40?
Oxidized Bitumen 85/40, also known as blown bitumen, is a semi-solid petroleum bitumen grade resulting from air-blowing asphalt flux. The flux is normally derived by oxidizing asphalt 60/70 with hot air.
85/40 is grade referring to penetration value and the softening point of the material. Softening point is carried out using Ring and Ball test method (ASTM D36) and the penetration value from ASTM D5 or IP49 with the results measured in 1/10 mm.
In terms of viscosity or penetration-grade bitumen, oxidized bitumen 85/40 is ideal for demanding applications since it possesses a higher softening point, which provides greater resistance to temperature variations.
Applications of Oxidized Bitumen 85/40
Oxidized Bitumen 85/40 is an extremely useful product that works extremely well in a wide range of industries, especially in scenarios where flexibility and strength are required. One of its most common applications is waterproofing and roofing, where it is used for the manufacture of roofing membranes that ensure great sealing and thermal insulation of buildings and infrastructure. The high softening point of 85/40 indicates that it can withstand the heat and thermal stress common in construction environments.
In industry, Oxidized Bitumen 85/40 is widely applied as a binder, sealant, and protective agent. It is a crucial raw material in the production of paints, mastics, floor coverings, and pipe coatings. The excellent adhesive characteristics of the material make it a good choice to utilize in applications requiring long-term adhesion and environmental stress resistance. Moreover, due to its excellent thermal resistance, it is particularly well-suited for utilization in industries that work in hot conditions, i.e., pipe insulation or roof covering in climates that experience high temperatures.
Oxidized Bitumen 85/40 vs 85/35
| Property | Oxidized Bitumen 85/40 | Oxidized Bitumen 85/35 |
|---|---|---|
| Softening Point | 85°C | 85°C |
| Penetration | 40 | 35 |
| Viscosity | Higher viscosity (harder) | Slightly softer |
| Ideal Use | High-temperature areas (roofing, insulation, coatings) | Moderate temperature applications (roofing, flooring) |
| Performance | Better heat resistance and durability | More flexible but slightly less heat resistant |
| Applications | Roofing, waterproofing, industrial coatings | Roofing, floor coverings, protective coatings |
Advantages of Oxidized Bitumen 85/40
Oxidized Asphalt 85/40 is a highly pure, non-toxic product that meets the ASTM requirements for softening point and penetration. Some of the major advantages are:
High Adhesion: Good adhesive qualities for bonding and sealing.
Chemical Stability: Soil, cold, and electrical stress-resistant.
Low Water Absorption: Provides improved durability and long-term performance.
Environmental Friendliness: Manufactured in a way that minimizes environmental impact.
Storage and Handling
Proper storage and handling of Oxidized Bitumen 85/40 are critical to maintain its quality and deliver maximum performance in various applications. The product should be stored in a dry, clean, and well-ventilated area, protected from direct sunlight, moisture, and wide temperature fluctuations. It should ideally be stored in insulated tanks that maintain the bitumen at the required temperature for effective use. Temperature regulation is very important, as this ensures that the bitumen is stored and handled in its best condition without degradation.
While handling, there should be the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves and goggles, to protect workers from potential dangers like burns or skin contact with hot bitumen. Besides, the heating process should be closely watched as excessive heat may lead to thermal cracking and make the bitumen unusable. The maximum safe temperature for re-heating and man handling Oxidized Bitumen 85/40 is 230°C. Upon proper storage and man handling, the bitumen can stay effective for use for 10 years even after repeated heating and cooling.
Health & Safety
Upon handling of Blown Asphalt 85/40:
Precautions: Wear gloves, goggles, and ensure good ventilation to avoid burns, skin contact, or inhalation of vapors.
Heating: Heat under close observation. Maximum safe handling temperature is 230°C to avoid overheating and thermal cracking.
Packing of Oxidized Bitumen 85/40
Blown Bitumen 85/40 is available in various package configurations, including:
Meltable Polyamide Bags (20kg, 25kg)
Carton Boxes (20kg, 25kg, 40kg)
Kraft Bags (20kg, 25kg, 40kg)
Blocks (20kg, 25kg, 40kg)
Drums (20kg, 25kg)
Custom packing sizes are available upon request.
Why Choose Oxidized Bitumen 85/40?
Blown Bitumen 85/40 finds its best use in applications requiring moderate heat resistance, stability, and flexibility. Key advantages are:
Long Lifespan: Offers long-lasting durability and stable performance.
Cost-Effective: A great choice for industries requiring high-performance bitumen at a reasonable cost.
Environmental Friendly: Produced under industry standards with minimal environmental damage.
Wide Applicability: Great for roofing, insulation, coatings, and other uses.
Specification
| Oxidized Bitumen 85/40 | Specification | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Specific gravity@25/25 ˚C | 1.05 approx | D-70 |
| Penetration@25 ˚C | 35-45 | D-5 |
| Softening point ˚C | 80-90 | D-36 |
| Ductility@25 ˚C | 3 | D-113 |
| Loss on heating (wt)% | 0.5 | D-6 |
| Flash point ˚C | 230 min | D-92 |
| Solubility in CS2 (wt)% | 99 min | D-4 |
FAQs about Oxidized Asphalt 85/40
How to store Oxidized Bitumen 85/40?
Store it in a dry, cool, and airy environment, sheltered from the sun, dampness, and heat sources.
Why use Oxidized Asphalt85/40?
It possesses ideal thermal stability, water resistance, and excellent adhesion and is therefore ideally suited to numerous industrial applications.
Is Oxidized Asphalt 85/40 environmentally friendly?
Yes, it’s green when made as per industry standards. Safe disposal and handling negate any environmental impact.
