Oxidized Bitumen in East Asia
Oxidized bitumen, derived from petroleum, is a multifunctional material that has been in use in various industries for quite some time in East Asia. Some of the major characteristics of oxidized bitumen include excellent waterproof and adhesive features, highly utilized for construction, roofing, and road paving.
The Major East Asian Markets for Oxidized Bitumen
Demand for oxidized bitumen can be seen in the following East Asian markets:
China
China uses a huge amount of oxidized bitumen, being one of the most powerful construction markets in the world. Infrastructural development of the country, consisting of an enormous road network and expansion of cities, requires only quality building constituent materials.
The oxidized bitumen has very superior characteristics of waterproofing and adhesiveness, finding very vital applications in a number of areas like road construction, roofing, waterproofing membranes, and industrial coatings.
Large projects of infrastructure, one of the reasons for rapid urbanization, and a focus on sustainable construction comprise some of the key drivers of high consumption of oxidized bitumen in China.
Japan
Japan is known to show concern for minute details in its construction and infrastructure; thus, it uses oxidized bitumen on a large scale. Because this material is versatile to use in applications such as roofing, waterproofing, and road construction, Japanese manufacturing companies make long-lasting quality roofing materials; hence, most of the products may contain oxidized bitumen.
It is also used in the waterproofing membrane of buildings, from single residential houses to large-scale industrial establishments. In the building of roads themselves, the material can be used in asphalt mixes to improve strength, elasticity, and even improve the resistance of the road infrastructure to environmental factors. Oxidized bitumen has a major role in Japan’s pursuit of the best quality and long-lasting roads and other constructions.
South Korea
South Korea is a country whose industrialization and urbanization have been rapid over the last decades. Oxidized bitumen has prominent applications in the construction industries of South Korea. This material is used in many areas, including road construction, the manufacturing of waterproofing membranes for buildings and bridges, and roofing materials.
Only high-quality products of oxidized bitumen are favored in this country, given the strict quality standards and emphasis on sustainable infrastructure. Consumption may vary in quantity, but South Korea is one of the major consumers of oxidized bitumen in the East Asia area and hence joins in the demand for this crucial construction material.
Taiwan
Oxidised bitumen is highly prized in many industries in Taiwan, one of the most technologically advanced countries. The uses of this versatile material cover general construction, especially roofing and waterproofing.
It possesses excellent adhesion and waterproofing properties that help in protecting buildings against moisture and destruction. Based on these characteristics, it could be used for multiple purposes like preventing moisture from entering the walls or any part of a building and giving durability to the structure.
In addition, soundproofing materials and automobiles undercarriage sealants are manufactured with the usage of oxidized bitumen. Taiwan has been continuously developing its infrastructure and industrial development with the various advantages provided through oxidized bitumen.
Thailand
Thailand is a country with a very active building and construction industry that finds many uses for oxidized bitumen. The many uses of this product include road pavement, waterproofing, and roofing material.
Growing urban demands for infrastructure in the country have seen consumption increase tenfold. It has very good waterproofing and adhesive capabilities and, therefore, forms a very important ingredient in maintaining and ensuring that building and construction projects all over the nation of Thailand will last a long time.
Malaysia
Malaysia is a fast-growing country where oxidized bitumen has been widely used in all sectors. This flexible material is consumed in road construction to bring further strength and resistance to weathering in asphalt pavements.
Besides road construction, oxidized bitumen is applied in waterproofing membranes and roofing to guard the buildings against water leakage. These materials have their applications in sealants, adhesives, and coatings within the construction sector.
The consumption figures might not be available, but it is for sure that infrastructural and construction growth in Malaysia keeps the consumption of oxidized bitumen at a higher scale, placing the country at one of the topmost positions in the East Asian market.
Philippines
Being a fast-growing country, the Philippines has a number of different construction and infrastructure projects that make use of oxidized bitumen. Applications abound in road laying, where this versatile material extends the life expectancy of asphalt surfaces. Besides that, oxidized bitumen is often used in the waterproofing processes of buildings and constructions, protecting them against intrusion of water and collapse of structures.
The good adhesion of it has many applications in sealing cracks and joints to prevent water from leaking into buildings and causing corrosion to the steel bars. Top of all, oxidized bitumen is used in the roofing manufacturing industry for producing weather-tight durable lasting roofs.
The demand for oxidized bitumen is thus likely to increase with the continuous infrastructural modernization of the Philippines, therefore making the product even more indispensable in the Philippine construction industry.
Singapore
Oxidized bitumen is used in various specialized applications in the highly urbanized city-state in order to meet the peculiar needs of construction and infrastructure. It has very good waterproofing and durability properties that make the material highly suitable in protecting high-rise buildings and infrastructural facilities from harsh tropical climate conditions.
Oxidized bitumen finds widespread application in waterproofing membranes for roofs, basements, and external walls against water seepage and structural damage. It is applied in joint sealing and in the repair of cracks to enhance service life and integrity of concrete structures.
Also, oxidized bitumen has been used in the manufacture of bituminous marine mastic applied in sealing joints, thereby playing a key role in the protection of pipelines within the oil and gas industry.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a highly populated city-state that makes use of oxidized bitumen in a number of its construction and infrastructural projects. Its special properties are excellent waterproofing and adhesive capabilities which make it an indispensable component in the urban development of the city.
The oxidized bitumen primarily applies to roofing materials, waterproof membranes, sealing materials for super high-rise buildings, and infrastructure projects. Therefore, due to the humid climate in the city and frequent typhoons, the application of durable and reliable construction materials is desirable; hence, oxidized bitumen is ideal for its contribution to long-lasting and weather-resistant structures.
Although specific consumption data may not be readily available, the consistent urban development and emphasis on green infrastructure in the city hint at a remarkably high demand for oxidized bitumen in Hong Kong.
Bangladesh
Being a fast-growing country, Bangladesh is one of those countries in the world that is gaining extensive use of oxidized bitumen in infrastructure and construction projects. It is a water-resistant and adhesive material derived from petroleum that works well in a variety of applications.
In Bangladesh, oxidized bitumen has been largely used in road construction since it has played a very important role in improving the durability and resistance of asphalt mixtures against bad weather. This type of bitumen is also used in roofing material, waterproofing membranes, and sealant production. With the increased infrastructural development in Bangladesh, the demand for this oxidized bitumen is expected to rise, especially in cities that highly require high-quality construction materials.
Application Temperatures
The application temperature of oxidized bitumen varies by the product and main application, but in general, it should be applied in high temperatures to ensure proper adhesion and workability. Common application temperature is ranging from 150°C to 200°C.
Consumption Trends
Although specific consumption figures may have their variance, China is usually taken to be the largest consumer in the East Asian oxidized bitumen market because of its multi-billion-dollar infrastructure projects and construction works. However, countries like Japan, South Korea, and Thailand also provide a significant thrust to the regional demand for the product.
As long as economies in this region continue to grow and urbanize, demands for oxidized bitumen and other top-quality construction materials will keep increasing.
Supplier of Bitumen for East Asia Market
ZUMRUT KIMYA Company is a leading supplier of premium-quality Oxidized Bitumen, specializing in the Southeast and East Asia markets, including Malaysia, Vietnam, Taiwan, Thailand, Philippines and China. With extensive experience in bitumen production and export, ZUMRUT KIMYA Oil Co offers a wide range of Oxidized Bitumen grades tailored to meet diverse industry needs. We ensure timely and reliable delivery to multiple ports across Malaysia, maintaining the highest standards in quality and logistics. ZUMRUT KIMYA Company is committed to supporting infrastructure and construction projects throughout the region with consistent, top-grade bitumen products.
