Other Names:
Bitumen, Asphalt Cement, Petroleum Asphalt, Road Tar, Paving Asphalt
Specification Summary
- Purity: Typically ≥99% bitumen content (asphalt cement)
- Form: Highly viscous liquid, semi-solid, or solid (depending on temperature and grade)
- CAS No.: 8052-42-4 (general asphalt), 68648-81-7 (sulphonated asphalt)
- Molecular Formula: Complex mixture, primarily C₅₀–C₇₀ hydrocarbons (empirical formula varies)
- Molecular Weight: Ranges from ~600 to >1,000 g/mol (varies with source and processing)
Product Description
Asphalt is a dark brown to black, highly viscous material derived from petroleum refining or natural sources. It is insoluble in water, slightly soluble in aromatic solvents, and non-corrosive. Asphalt is generally neutral but can contain trace acidic or basic compounds depending on its origin. It is thermoplastic, softening with heat and hardening when cooled, and exhibits strong adhesive and waterproofing properties. Asphalt is stable under normal environmental conditions and resistant to most chemicals, though it can be oxidized or degraded by strong acids or prolonged UV exposure.
Asphalt Specification Table
Property |
Specification / Typical Value |
Purity (Bitumen Content) |
≥99% |
Appearance |
Black, viscous liquid or semi-solid |
Penetration (25°C, 100g, 5s) |
40–100 dmm (grade-dependent) |
Softening Point (Ring & Ball) |
42–60°C (grade-dependent) |
Specific Gravity (25°C) |
1.01–1.06 |
Solubility in Trichloroethylene |
≥99.0% |
Ductility (25°C) |
≥100 cm |
Flash Point |
>230°C |
Water Content |
≤0.2% |
Ash Content |
≤0.5% |
pH (Sulphonated Asphalt) |
8–9 |
Moisture (Sulphonated Asphalt) |
<8% |
Downloadable TDS:
A comprehensive Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is available for download, detailing all specifications, handling, and safety information.
Application Sectors and Industries of Asphalt
Road Construction and Paving
Asphalt is the primary binder in hot mix asphalt (HMA) for highways, streets, airport runways, and parking lots. Its durability, flexibility, and weather resistance ensure long-lasting, smooth surfaces capable of withstanding heavy traffic and varying climates.
Roofing and Waterproofing
Used in roofing shingles, roll roofing, and waterproof membranes, asphalt provides excellent water resistance and UV protection. Its adhesive properties help seal roofs and prevent leaks, making it ideal for both residential and commercial buildings.
Industrial Flooring
Asphalt-based flooring systems are used in factories, warehouses, and industrial plants due to their resilience, ease of maintenance, and resistance to chemicals and abrasion.
Bridge Decks and Structures
Asphalt overlays protect bridge decks from water ingress, de-icing salts, and freeze-thaw cycles, extending structural lifespan and reducing maintenance costs.
Railway Ballast Binding
Applied as a binder for railway ballast, asphalt reduces dust, improves stability, and minimizes maintenance by holding aggregates in place under dynamic loads.
Dams and Hydraulic Structures
Asphalt is used in core linings, facings, and membranes for dams, canals, and reservoirs, providing impermeability and flexibility to accommodate structural movements.
Pipe Coating and Corrosion Protection
Asphalt coatings are applied to steel pipes and tanks for corrosion resistance, especially in the oil, gas, and water industries, ensuring long-term protection in harsh environments.
Soundproofing and Vibration Damping
Due to its viscoelastic properties, asphalt is used in automotive, appliance, and construction industries for sound insulation and vibration damping.
Airport Infrastructure
Specialized asphalt mixes are used for airport runways and taxiways, offering high load-bearing capacity, skid resistance, and rapid repair capabilities to minimize operational downtime.
Sports and Recreational Surfaces
Asphalt is the base material for tennis courts, running tracks, playgrounds, and cycling paths, providing a smooth, resilient, and safe surface for recreational activities.
Packaging Types
Steel Drums (150–200 liters):
Traditional method for safe, contamination-free transport and storage; drums are sealed to prevent moisture ingress and maintain asphalt quality.
Jumbo Bags (1,000–1,500 kg):
High-capacity, multi-layer polymer bags designed for bulk transport; resistant to high temperatures (up to 200°C), moisture, and UV radiation, ideal for industrial projects.
Bulk Tankers and Bitutainers:
Used for large-scale projects, asphalt is transported in insulated, heated tankers or ISO tank containers, ensuring product integrity during long-distance shipping.
Bitubags and Caged Jumbo Bags:
Flexible, cost-effective polymer packaging for easy handling and reduced waste; suitable for moderate quantities and environmentally friendly logistics.
Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC):
Rigid or collapsible containers (500–1,500 liters) with integrated pallet bases, offering efficient handling, storage, and optional heating accessories.
Custom Packaging:
Solutions tailored to specific customer requirements, including specialty liners, temperature-resistant bags, and branded containers.
Asphalt’s versatility, durability, and performance make it indispensable in infrastructure, construction, and industrial applications worldwide. For detailed technical, safety, and handling information, please refer to the downloadable Technical Data Sheet (TDS).
