Bitumen 60/70: Features

Bitumen 60/70 offers a versatile range of features, making it ideal for various applications:

• Viscosity: Exhibits moderate viscosity, ensuring good flow at higher temperatures while maintaining cohesion and stiffness in cooler conditions.
• Penetration: A typical penetration value between 60 and 70 at 25°C indicates its consistent hardness.
   
• Softening Point: The softening point is around 60-70°C, denoting the temperature at which it begins to soften and flow under specific conditions.
• Ductility: Possesses excellent ductility, allowing it to deform under stress without cracking, which is crucial for the flexibility and durability of road construction.
   
• Adhesion: Shows strong adhesion properties, binding effectively with aggregates and other materials in asphalt mixes.
   
• Durability: Provides good resistance to weathering, aging, and temperature fluctuations, making it suitable for diverse climates.
   
• Waterproofing: Commonly used as a waterproofing agent due to its impermeability to water, forming a reliable protective layer.
   
• Versatility: Easily mixes with aggregates and additives to create asphalt mixes with desired properties for various uses.
• Cost-effectiveness: A preferred choice in many construction projects due to its relatively economical cost compared to other binders.
   
• Storage Stability: When properly stored, Bitumen 60/70 maintains its properties over time, ensuring consistent performance throughout infrastructure lifespan.

Bitumen 60/70: Technical Details

The quality of Bitumen 60/70 is defined by its precise characteristics and specifications. Beyond standard penetration testing, its grade is determined through critical assessments including viscosity, softening point, ductility, heat loss, and flash point. For both suppliers and customers, the softening point and flash point are particularly significant indicators of quality and safety.

According to the ASTM D36 method, the softening point for this grade of bitumen ranges from 49 to 56 °C. Its flash point, vital for safe handling and storage, is a minimum of 250 °C.

Applications of Bitumen 60/70

Bitumen 60/70 is widely utilized across numerous sectors:

• Road Construction: Extensively used as a binding agent in asphalt concrete for paving roads and highways, providing durability and resistance to weathering and traffic.
   
• Roofing: Applied as a coating or membrane in the construction industry for waterproofing roofing materials, protecting buildings from water infiltration.
   
• General Waterproofing: Beyond roofing, it’s used for waterproofing structures like basements, bridges, and tunnels, acting as an effective barrier against water penetration due to its adhesive properties.
   
• Pavement Preservation: Employed in techniques like chip sealing and slurry sealing to extend road lifespan and prevent deterioration.
• Emulsions and Cutbacks: Used to produce bitumen emulsions (for rapid setting and curing) and cutback bitumen (for low-temperature applications).
• Marine Applications: Finds use in marine construction for protecting underwater structures, such as pilings and docks, against corrosion and water damage.
   
• Adhesives and Sealants: Due to its adhesive properties, it’s a key component in manufacturing various industrial and construction adhesives and sealants.
• Paints and Coatings: Integrated into paints and coatings, especially in anti-corrosive coatings for metal surfaces, enhancing durability and weather resistance.
   

Bitumen 60/70: Composition

Bitumen with a penetration between 60 and 70 is recognized by its elemental formula, suited for various industrial applications. Elementally, it contains approximately 87% carbon, 8% hydrogen, up to 5% sulfur, 1% nitrogen, 1% oxygen, and 2000ppm metals. Bitumen products are primarily composed of highly condensed polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Packaging

Nortec supplies Bitumen 60/70 in 180 kg new steel drums and 1000 kg jumbo bags.

Bitumen 60/70: Specifications