What is Slow Curing Cutback Bitumen?
Slow curing Cutback Bitumen is a type of bitumen mixed with a solvent, widely used in road construction. It falls within the heavy distillate range (SC-70, SC-250, SC-800, SC-3000) and has low volatility oils. The fluidity of the cutback bitumen depends primarily on the ratio of solvent to asphalt cement. Although the hardness of the base asphalt may influence its liquidity, the solvent proportion plays the primary role in defining the final consistency.
The more viscous grades of Slow Curing Cutback Bitumen might need slight heating for better fluidity during construction work. This type of bitumen is often referred to as “road oils.” It is produced through the fractional distillation of certain crude petroleums and can be further blended with aromatic, naphthenic, or paraffinic oils.
Applications of Slow Curing Cutback Bitumen
Slow Curing Cutback Bitumen is used in several applications. Common uses include penetrating prime coats and producing patching or stockpile mixtures. When mixed with aggregate, it often contains an adhesion agent to help coat the aggregate surface effectively.
Furthermore, cutback agents reduce the viscosity of bitumen, making it easier to apply as a primer on road pavements or base courses. For instance, kerosene is a common cutback agent used at varying concentrations, depending on local conditions and requirements.
In addition, Slow Curing Cutback Bitumen is ideal for prime coats and cold applications. It’s easy to use, as it doesn’t require thinning or heating. For construction, the initial application of cutback bitumen forms a strong bond between asphalt and the non-asphalt-based course. It can also be used for waterproofing surfaces by sealing capillary voids and bonding loose mineral particles.
Summary
Slow Curing Cutback Bitumen is an essential material in road construction. It improves the application of bitumen in varying environmental conditions and construction processes. Thanks to its adaptability, it serves as a vital component in creating durable road surfaces and coatings. By choosing the appropriate grade of cutback bitumen, construction operations can achieve the desired consistency and quality.
