Bitumen (also called asphalt in some regions) is a black, sticky, and viscous material derived from crude oil distillation.
It is widely used in road construction for asphalt pavements, providing strength and flexibility.
In roofing and waterproofing, bitumen offers excellent water resistance and protection.
It is also applied in industrial uses, including adhesives, coatings, and sealants.
Bitumen is valued for its strong adhesion, durability, and resistance to weather conditions.
It comes in different grades, such as penetration grades (40/50, 60/70, 80/100) and viscosity grades (VG-10, VG-30, VG-40).
Specialized grades include oxidized bitumen for roofing and polymer-modified bitumen for enhanced performance.
For transport and storage, bitumen is supplied in bulk tankers, drums, bags, or tank containers.
Proper handling ensures the material maintains quality and performance for construction or industrial projects.
Its versatility and reliability make bitumen an essential material in modern infrastructure and industry.
Bitumen Grades
Bitumen is usually graded based on penetration (softness/hardness) or viscosity (flow characteristics). Some common grading systems include:
1. Penetration Grades (Pen)
Measured in tenths of a millimeter, based on how far a needle penetrates the bitumen at 25°C. Examples:
- 40/50 Pen – very hard
- 60/70 Pen – hard
- 80/100 Pen – medium
- 120/150 Pen – soft
2. Viscosity Grades (VG or C)
Determined by viscosity at specific temperatures. Higher numbers indicate thicker or harder bitumen. Examples:
- VG-10, VG-30, VG-40
3. Specialized Grades
- Oxidized Bitumen – hardened by air blowing, commonly used for roofing
- Polymer Modified Bitumen (PMB) – enhanced elasticity and performance for roads and industrial applications
Packaging Terms
Bitumen is transported and supplied in various forms depending on the application:
- Bulk – in heated tankers, mainly for road paving projects
- Drums/Barrels – typically 180–200 kg per drum, used for roofing or industrial purposes
- Bags – some oxidized or modified bitumen is packed in 25–50 kg bags
- Tank Containers – used for large-scale export/import, often in molten form
