Penetration Grade Bitumen
it is a kind of bitumen classified due to its hardness and consistency which determines the degree of penetration. As the penetration increases, the bitumen becomes softer. This kind of bitumen, also known as PEN grades bitumen, is used typically for road construction & paving goals. The amount of penetration is determined via its penetration test in the laboratory using a special needle at a temperature of 25 degrees Celsius.
The most common penetration grade bitumen types are 30-40, 40-50, 60-70, 80-100, 85-100. Each of these grades is suitable for a specific condition considering various factors particularly temperature, traffic, and geotechnical features.
Having been too soft or hard, the bitumen possibility of cracking or deformation increases, hence the importance of using an appropriate choice regarding the climate condition, is obvious.
As it is somehow clear, the soft bitumen performs better in cold weather and the hard one works better in hot climates.
Bitumen 40-50
Bitumen grade 40-50 is a type of petroleum-based binder commonly applied in infrastructure projects such as roads and highways, especially in regions with high ambient temperatures. Manufactured through the distillation of crude oil, its classification is based on how far a standard needle can penetrate the material under controlled conditions, with values ranging from 40 to 50.
Bitumen 40-50 low penetration value provides increased stiffness and deformation resistance, making it ideal for hot mix asphalt used in base and surface layers of flexible pavements on expressways, highways, and arterial roads. It’s widely applied in airport runways and taxiways, where it withstands heavy wheel loads and repeated stress. The grade is also suitable for container terminals, industrial yards, and port pavements requiring durability under dynamic loads. Additionally, it performs well on motor racing circuits due to its stability under high temperatures and shear forces. In industrial flooring, it offers abrasion resistance, and it is occasionally used in waterproofing membranes where higher hardness is needed. Its balanced viscosity and mechanical strength make it a reliable material for demanding civil engineering applications.
Bitumen 60-70
Bitumen 60/70 is a specific grade of paving bitumen, widely used in road construction and asphalt production for both base and wearing courses. It is characterized by a penetration value between 60 and 70 (measured in 0.1mm) when tested at 25°C, which indicates its hardness and consistency. This grade is suitable for hot mix asphalt applications in temperate to warm climates.
60-70 bitumen is considered as a mild PEN grade while it enjoys adequate durability exposing to heavy traffic loads.
This bitumen grade features moderate penetration and controlled air oxidation, giving it a balanced hardness suitable for various paving applications.Bitumen 60/70 is classified as a straight-run product, meaning it is derived directly from vacuum distillation without the need for additional refining or treatment processes.
Penetration grade 60/70 is the most commonly used bitumen in road construction, known for its reliable performance across standard projects. It provides effective adhesion and coating of aggregates within a temperature range of -22°C to +76°C. This grade is also used in producing polymer modified bitumen and in hot mix asphalt for base and surface layers, mainly in roads built in temperate climates.
If you are interested in a 6070 grade bitumen, send us your Inquiry
Bitumen 80-100
Penetration grade bitumen 80/100 is employed as a binder in the formulation of hot mix asphalt (HMA) for both base and surface course layers in pavement construction.This grade is characterized by its relatively low hardness and high penetration value, making it suitable for applications in low-temperature environments.
The production of bitumen 80/100 is predominantly achieved via an air blowing process, wherein air is introduced at a controlled temperature through the vacuum residue. There are multiple air-blowing strategies used in the formulation of bitumen 80/100, such as partial air blowing—conducted in either batch or continuous operations—and full-depth air blowing.
Bitumen 80/100 is frequently selected for road surfacing and rehabilitation. It offers notable resistance to thermal cracking and mechanical deformation, along with sufficient elasticity to endure traffic-induced stress. Bitumen 80/100 is also utilized across various industrial sectors, including as a component in sealing materials, corrosion-resistant coatings, and electrical insulating products.
Being categorized under the semi-soft grade of bitumen, 80-100 grade is an appropriate choice for cold weather. This is almost the most favorite PEN grade bitumen widely targeted in some African countries such as Kenya.
Nexoil, having the experience of exporting bitumen to these destinations, ad enjoying noble expert friends in Africa market, is ready to accept your orders openly.
