Viscosity Grade Bitumen

VG grade bitumen, produced through vacuum aeration, is assessed based on the viscosity value in 60 ◦C and 135 ◦C and categorized according to two standards; AASHTO or ASTM. VG10, VG20, VG30, and VG40, are different types of VG grade bitumen. As the number becomes more, the bitumen hardness increases. Some ones point out the viscosity grade as AC bitumen base on AASHTO standard who divides viscosity grade into two groups of AC and AR. AC stands for Asphalt cement. Besides AC10, AC20, AC30, and AC40, AC-2.5 and AC-5 are two other grades in this classification, suitable for particular usage in cold regions such as Canada. AC-2.5 has the lowest viscosity among all other types, not suitable for heavy traffic or loads. Having tested in two different temperatures, VG grade bitumen with higher durability & adhesion, waterproofness, and better performance in bearing traffic loads, might be a wiser choice for both low and high temperatures. Vg grade bitumen is one of the most favored choices in India’s market. Having supplied the most qualitative productions, made by expert technical teams, Nexoil is ready to get your order for all grades of bitumen.

Bitumen (VG10)

Bitumen VG10 is a particular type of viscosity-graded bitumen commonly used in road construction and various industrial applications. Derived from crude oil via fractional distillation, VG10 is a petroleum-based product. Its relatively low viscosity makes it ideal for use in road construction, especially in colder regions.

VG10, as the softest kind of VG bitumen, is mainly suitable for surface coating or paving in cold climates. Moreover, it is used in the production of emulsions and modified bitumen. its equivalent grade in PEN grade is 80-100. It is commonly utilized for surface dressing in paving and repair works, particularly in cold climates, as an alternative to the 80/100 penetration grade bitumen. VG10 leads to more durable pavements by optimizing mixing and compaction temperatures. Unlike penetration bitumen, VG 10 shows consistent rutting performance in hot weather. The specified minimum kinematic viscosity at 135°C helps avoid tender mixes during construction.Additionally, it is used in the production of bitumen emulsions and modified bitumen products.

Specification	Unit	Value	Test Method
Absolute Viscosity, at 60 ◦C	Poise	Min 800	ASTM D4402
Kinematic Viscosity, at 135 ◦C	CST	Min 250	ASTM D2170
Flash Point	◦C	Min 220	ASTM D93
Solubility in Trichloroethylene	%WT	Min 99	ASTM D2042
Penetration Value, at 25 ◦C	0.1mm	80-100	ASTM D5
Softening Point	◦C	Min 40	ASTM D36
Thin-Film Oven Test (TFOT)
Viscosity Ratio, at 60 ◦C	◦C	Max 4	ASTM D4402
Ductility at 25 ◦C	Cm	Min 75	ASTM D113

Bitumen (VG20)

This grade of viscosity grade bitumen, with 1600 to 2400 poise at 60 °C. is generally used in hot mix asphalt for road construction in cold or mountain areas.

In North India, vg20 is used for road construction in hot mix asphalt.

Nexoil Ltd. guarantees the quality of Bitumen VG-20. An independent international inspection agency verifies both quality and quantity during vessel/container loading. Each production batch is tested by the Quality Control (QC) team to ensure compliance with ASTM specifications. Nexoil guarantees that the VG-20 bitumen fully conforms to ASTM standards besides Spot Test Negative(AASHTO T102).

Specification	Unit	Value	Test Method
Absolute Viscosity, at 60 ◦C	Poise	Min 1600	ASTM D4402
Kinematic Viscosity, at 135 ◦C	CST	Min 300	ASTM D2170
Flash Point	◦C	Min 220	ASTM D93
Solubility in Trichloroethylene	%WT	Min 99	ASTM D2042
Penetration Value, at 25 ◦C	0.1mm	60-80	ASTM D5
Softening Point	◦C	Min 40	ASTM D36
Thin-Film Oven Test (TFOT)
Viscosity Ratio, at 60 ◦C	◦C	Max 4	ASTM D4402
Ductility at 25 ◦C	Cm	Min 50	ASTM D113

Bitumen (VG30)

Bitumen VG30 is a medium-viscosity binder formulated for use in pavement structures subjected to moderate to heavy traffic loads. Its rheological properties make it well-suited for flexible pavement layers, particularly in dense-graded hot mix asphalt applications for both base and surface courses. The binder’s viscosity is optimized to provide a balance between workability during mixing and placement, and mechanical stability against rutting and deformation under load.

VG-30 bitumen supports a range of asphalt compositions, including both dense-gradedand open-graded systems, making it adaptable to multiple paving strategies. It is specifiedfor use in high-volume roadways, urban pavements, structural waterproofing, and otherinfrastructure exposed to intermediate to heavy traffic conditions. Its cohesive strength andoxidative stability also make it effective for overlay and pavement rehabilitation works. This grade probably is the most applicable grade of bitumen in road construction, insulation, paving, & production of cutback and modified bitumen.

Vg30 is the best choice for heavy traffic, high loads, and hot or damp areas because its high viscosity leads to water and thermal resistance.

If you are interested in a Vg30 grade bitumen, send us your inquiry.

Specification	Unit	Value	Test Method
Absolute Viscosity, at 60 ◦C	Poise	Min 2400	ASTM D4402
Kinematic Viscosity, at 135 ◦C	CST	Min 350	ASTM D2170
Flash Point	◦C	Min 220	ASTM D93
Solubility in Trichloroethylene	%WT	Min 99	ASTM D2042
Penetration Value, at 25 ◦C	0.1mm	50-70	ASTM D5
Softening Point	◦C	Min 47	ASTM D36
Thin-Film Oven Test (TFOT)
Viscosity Ratio, at 60 ◦C	◦C	Max 4	ASTM D4402
Ductility at 25 ◦C	Cm	Min 40	ASTM D113
Specific Gravity, at 25 ◦C	kg/m³	Min 1.0131	ASTM D36

Bitumen (VG40)

Bitumen VG40 is a high-viscosity grade specifically formulated for applications involving extreme load-bearing and thermal conditions. It is typically employed in the construction of heavy-traffic pavements and critical stress zones. The increased viscosity of VG40 facilitates the development of rigid asphalt mixtures, thereby improving structural stability and resistance to deformation under high temperature and load, as per the specifications outlined below.

VG-40 bitumen is compatible with multiple asphalt mix types and paving techniques, producing cohesive, high-strength mixtures suited for all traffic intensities. It is recommended for heavy-traffic roads, maintenance layers, airport runways, taxiways, and container yards, particularly in regions with temperatures exceeding 40°C and in areas subjected to extreme load stress, such as junctions or structurally loaded sections.

This grade of bitumen with viscosity of 3200-4800 Poise which means this type of bitumen is the key for high temperatures above 40 ◦C and super hard traffic such as conjunctions or segments in construction bearing heavy loads. Occasionally VG40 is the better alternative for 40-50 in penetration grade.

Specification	Unit	Value	Test Method
Absolute Viscosity, at 60 ◦C	Poise	Min 3200	ASTM D4402
Kinematic Viscosity, at 135 ◦C	CST	Min 400	ASTM D2170
Flash Point	◦C	Min 220	ASTM D93
Solubility in Trichloroethylene	%WT	Min 99	ASTM D2042
Penetration Value, at 25 ◦C	0.1mm	40-60	ASTM D5
Softening Point	◦C	Min 25	ASTM D36
Thin-Film Oven Test (TFOT)
Viscosity Ratio, at 60 ◦C	◦C	Max 4	ASTM D4402
Ductility at 25 ◦C	Cm	Min 25	ASTM D113