Bitumen, a binding agent used in construction and industrial applications, comes in a variety of forms. Oxidized bitumen is created through a controlled air-blowing process that alters its properties.
One of these forms, Oxidized Bitumen 85/25, has a softening point of 85°C and a penetration grade of 25. The 85/25 property profile makes it suitable for specific applications requiring high durability and temperature resistance.
Oxidized Bitumen 85/25: Understanding its Properties
Oxidized bitumen 85/25 is a specific grade of bitumen, which is a petroleum-based substance used in a variety of industrial applications. The “85/25” designation refers to key properties of the material.
Key Specifications and What They Mean
- Softening Point: 80-90°C. The softening point, measured using ASTM D36, tells you at what temperature the bitumen begins to soften. A higher softening point means the material can withstand higher temperatures without losing its shape, which is important in hot climates.
- Penetration Grade: 20-30 at 25°C. This refers to how far a standard needle will penetrate the bitumen under specific conditions. A lower number means the material is harder and less flexible.
Other important properties include ductility, flash point, and solubility. Ductility should be a minimum of 3 cm at 25°C, which indicates how well it can deform. The flash point should be at least 225°C for safe handling. Finally, solubility in CS2 should be 99% or higher, indicating the purity of the bitumen.
How is 85/25 made?
Manufacturers create oxidized bitumen by forcing air through bitumen at high temperatures. This “air-blowing” process makes the material softer and less prone to penetration.
Oxidized bitumen is about 90% carbon and 7% hydrogen. It also has traces of sulfur, nitrogen, oxygen, and various metals. The manufacturing process can create polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), so manufacturers must consider safety issues when working with it.
What is oxidized bitumen 85/25 used for?
Oxidized bitumen 85/25 is a compound with a variety of uses in construction, infrastructure, and other industries.
Construction and Infrastructure
Oxidized bitumen 85/25 is often used for:
- Road construction. It’s especially useful for paving in hot climates because it provides durability and resists deformation.
- Roofing. Manufacturers use it to make waterproof roofing membranes and asphalt sheets because it’s extremely waterproof and resists weathering.
Industrial Applications
Oxidized bitumen 85/25 is also used in:
- Coatings and insulation. It protects against corrosion and other environmental damage.
- Other applications. It can be found in varnishes, hydro projects, oil and gas operations, and electrical work.
What are the benefits of 85/25 bitumen?
Asphalt made with 85/25 bitumen offers a number of advantages:
- Durability: Roads made with this type of bitumen last a long time and don’t require as much maintenance.
- Temperature resistance: The high softening point means it remains stable, even in hot weather.
- Waterproofing: It’s waterproof, so it protects the road base from water damage.
- Cost-effectiveness: It’s generally cheaper than other types of bitumen, such as polymer-modified bitumen.
Closing Thoughts
Oxidized Bitumen 85/25 is a durable and cost-effective solution for multiple industries. Its unique properties make it ideal for projects that require high durability and temperature resistance.
Whether you’re working on construction or industrial projects, Oxidized Bitumen 85/25 can provide the reliability and performance you need. It’s a versatile material that offers a great balance of quality and value.