Other Names:
Asphalt, Petroleum Asphalt, Gilsonite, Road Tar, Dacholeum, Judean Pitch
Specification Summary
- Purity: Complex hydrocarbon mixture (no standardized purity)
- Form: Viscous liquid to semi-solid at room temperature; solidifies upon cooling
- CAS No.: 8052-42-4
- Molecular Formula: Complex blend of hydrocarbons (primarily C, H with traces of S, N, O)
- Molecular Weight: Variable (200–10,000 g/mol depending on composition)
Product Description
Bitumen is a black or dark-brown adhesive material derived from petroleum distillation. It is insoluble in water but dissolves in organic solvents like trichloroethylene. Non-corrosive under standard conditions, it exhibits thermoplastic behavior (softens with heat, hardens when cooled). Bitumen is chemically inert, non-alkaline, and stable across a wide temperature range. Its high viscosity and waterproofing properties make it ideal for industrial applications.
Bitumen Specification Table
Property | Value/Description | Test Method |
Penetration@25°C | 60–70 mm/10 (Grade 60/70) | ASTM D5 |
Softening Point | 49–56°C | ASTM D36 |
Flash Point | ≥232°C (COC) | ASTM D92 |
Ductility@25°C | ≥100 cm | ASTM D113 |
Density@25°C | 1.01–1.06 g/cm³ | ASTM D70 |
Viscosity@135°C | ≥300 cSt | ASTM D2170 |
Solubility in TCE | ≥99% | ASTM D2042 |
Loss on Heating | ≤0.2% | ASTM D6 |
Flash Point | >400°F (204°C) | ASTM D92 |
Oxidation Stability | Resists aging under moderate temperatures | ASTM D2872 |
Downloadable TDS:
A Technical Data Sheet (TDS) with complete specifications, safety guidelines, and application protocols is available upon request.
Application Sectors and Industries of Bitumen
Road Construction
Primary binder in asphalt concrete for highways, airport runways, and parking lots. Provides durability, water resistance, and load-bearing capacity.
Waterproofing
Used in roofing membranes, basement coatings, and pipe jacketing to prevent moisture ingress.
Industrial Flooring
Forms resilient, chemical-resistant surfaces for factories, warehouses, and chemical plants.
Automotive Undercoating
Spray-applied bitumen coatings protect vehicle underbodies from corrosion, stone chipping, and salt damage.
Adhesives & Sealants
Key component in mastics, joint sealants, and tile adhesives for superior bonding and flexibility.
Paints & Coatings
Enhances anti-corrosive properties in marine paints, pipeline coatings, and industrial primers.
Soundproofing
Dampens noise in automotive panels, building partitions, and machinery housings.
Hydraulic Engineering
Seals dams, canals, and reservoirs due to its impermeability and long-term stability.
Pipe Coatings
Protects oil/gas pipelines from soil corrosion and mechanical stress.
Recycling & Sustainability
Reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) integrates recycled bitumen, reducing environmental impact.
Packaging Types
- Steel Drums (150–200 kg): Sealed containers for solid or semi-solid forms, ideal for small-scale transport.
- Bulk Tankers: Heated tankers for liquid bitumen delivery to large asphalt plants.
- IBCs (1000 kg): Intermediate bulk containers for medium-volume industrial users.
- Aerosol Spray Cans (500 ml–2.5 kg): Pre-packaged undercoating solutions for automotive DIY applications.
- Flexitanks: Disposable liners for international shipping of liquid bitumen.
Bitumen remains indispensable across infrastructure and industrial sectors for its versatility, durability, and cost-effectiveness. For tailored formulations or technical support, consult the downloadable TDS or contact our engineering team.
