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.
Penetration Grading | Viscosity Grading | ||
Grade | Penetration in 0.1 mm | Grade | Viscosity @60°C, Poise |
Pen 40/50 | 40-50 | AC-40 | 4000±800 |
Pen 60/70 | 60-70 | AC-30 | 3000±600 |
Pen 85/100 | 85-100 | AC-20 | 2000±400 |
Pen 120/150 | 120-150 | AC-10 | 1000±200 |
Pen 200/300 | 200-300 | AC-5 | 500±100 |
AC-2.5 | 250±50 |
Bitumen 40-50
Bitumen 40/50, like other PEN grades, made by air flowing process and used for road construction and also asphalt pavements, yet in tropical regions.
Specification | Test Method | Unit | Min. | Max. |
Specific Gravity at 25 °C | ASTM D70 | kg/m³ | 1.01 | 1.05 |
Penetration at 25 °C, 100g, 5s | ASTM D5 | 0.1mm | 40 | 50 |
Softening Point | ASTM D36 | °C | 52 | 60 |
Ductility at 25 °C | ASTM D113 | Cm | 100 | – |
Loss on Heating | ASTM D6 | %WT | – | 0.5 |
Drop in Penetration after Heating | ASTM D5 | % | – | 20 |
Flash Point | ASTM D92 | °C | 250 | – |
Solubility in Trichloroethylene | ASTM D2042 | %WT | 99.5 | – |
Spot Test | AASHTO T102 | Negative |
Bitumen 60-70
This grade of bitumen, is produced through air blowing process in a refinery.
60-70 bitumen is considered as a mild PEN grade while it enjoys adequate durability exposing to heavy traffic loads.
If you are interested in a 6070 grade bitumen, send us your Inquiry
Specification | Test Method | Unit | Min. | Max. |
Specific Gravity at 25 °C | ASTM D70 | kg/m³ | 1.01 | 1.06 |
Penetration at 25 °C, 100g, 5s | ASTM D5 | 0.1mm | 60 | 70 |
Softening Point | ASTM D36 | °C | 49 | 56 |
Ductility at 25 °C | ASTM D113 | Cm | 100 | – |
Loss on Heating | ASTM D6 | %WT | – | 0.2 |
Drop in Penetration after Heating | ASTM D5 | % | – | 20 |
Flash Point | ASTM D92 | °C | 250 | – |
Solubility in Trichloroethylene | ASTM D2042 | %WT | 99 | – |
Spot Test | AASHTO T102 | Negative |
Bitumen 80-100
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.
Specification | Test Method | Unit | Min. | Max. |
Specific Gravity at 25 °C | ASTM D70 | kg/m³ | 1.01 | 1.05 |
Penetration at 25 °C, 100g, 5s | ASTM D5 | 0.1mm | 80 | 100 |
Softening Point | ASTM D36 | °C | 42 | 52 |
Ductility at 25 °C | ASTM D113 | Cm | 100 | – |
Loss on Heating | ASTM D6 | %WT | – | 0.5 |
Flash Point | ASTM D92 | °C | 225 | – |
Solubility in Trichloroethylene | ASTM D2042 | %WT | 99 | – |
Spot Test | AASHTO T102 | Negative |