Oxidized Bitumen 85/40 Description
Oxidized Bitumen 85/40 or Blown bitumen is produced by blowing hot air into the penetration bitumen. This action makes the bitumen more rubbery than its original formula and it becomes harder bitumen. This bitumen recovery the weight loss under heating. Due to low thermal sensitivity, the softening point is much higher than regular bitumen and the penetration index (PI) is higher than road construction bitumen (8>PI>2) due to the letter has a gel-like structure because of asphalt accumulation. Oxidized bitumen 85/40 is a special and most usable grade in Scandinavia.
Oxidized Bitumen 85/40 is produced by the air-blowing of penetration grade bitumen. This is done at high temperatures, resulting in a material of a much higher penetration index. Bitumen 85/40 is based on petroleum bitumen which is made by blowing bitumen 60/70 by very hot air. The designation of the Oxidized Bitumen 85/40 refers to the midpoint of the softening point acceptance criteria.
Bitumen 85/40 is produced by either Continuous or Staggered Blowing Process. Heated Penetration Grade Bitumen under controlled environment is blown with air which controls the Oil Content in the Bitumen while it oxidized. The different grades for suited applications produced are designated by two numbers to indicate the mid-points of their softening point and penetration ranges.
As said before, Bitumen 85/40 is based on petroleum bitumen which is made by blowing bitumen 60/70 by very hot air. In addition, the numbers relate to the midpoint of the material’s softening point and penetration respectively. The softening point value measured by the Ring and Ball method as determined by ASTM D36. Also, the penetration value is in 1/10 mm as determined by IP49 or ASTM- D5.
Oxidized Bitumen 85/40 Applications
Oxidized Bitumen 85/40 is a solid or semi-black solid material and gradually liquid when heated. Oxidized Bitumen grades are blown or oxidized Asphalt‘s which are produced by passing air through soft bitumen under controlled temperature conditions. This process gives the bitumen more rubbery properties than penetration or hard grade bitumens and a variety of uses in industrial applications.
This bitumen is mostly used in industry, such as roof insulation, flooring, industrial mastic, pipe coating, and paints. Specification of Oxidized bitumen is categorized based on softening points and penetration rates. Also, Oxidised bitumen 85/40 using as raw material for bitumen coat, roofing, insulation, and isolation bitumen membrane sheet.
Technical Advantages of Oxidized Bitumen 85/40
- Durability
- Flexibility
- Water-Resistant
- Chemical Stability
Compared to paving grade bitumen:
- Reduced temperature susceptibility
- Exhibits a more ‘solid’ nature at ambient temperatures
- High penetration index
Recommendations for Handling / Storage
The heating of packaged bitumen is a critical phase in most of the final uses. Typically, the packaged material is heated and melted in boilers out on site.
However, control at the heating phase is very important in terms of health and safety as well as in maintaining the quality of the product.
A note must be taken of the maximum safe handling temperature of 230 C and this should not be abused. Bitumen is a poor conductor of heat, consequently, control of the heating phase is of paramount importance.
The Oxidized Bitumen material should be broken up prior to placement in the boiler. This exposes a larger surface area to the heat and encourages a more even heating regime. Without the larger exposed surface area, aggressive heating at the base and sides of the boiler may well result in localized overheating, altering the characteristics of the modified bitumen, and potentially causing thermal cracking of the bitumen, creating the release of low lash vapors. The flashpoint of the oxidized bitumen then becomes irrelevant; as these low flash vapors determine the fire risk.
Melted bitumen should not be left in the boiler and reheated from cold, as there is then a high potential for localized overheating around the heating area (lack of convection means poor heat transfer) and potential development of a pressurized pocket of low flash vapors.
Be aware of the placement of any temperature monitoring or control devices. As a result of the poor thermal conductivity of the bitumen, a thermometer in the bitumen some distance from the heat source could read significantly different (even hundreds of degrees) from the true temperature of the bitumen near the heat source.
Health & Safety
Workers should wear protective masks, gloves, and goggles during application. The asphalt can be removed from equipment and tools with kerosene or gasoline. Care should be taken when heating Oxidized Bitumen 85/40 to avoid overheating. For Health and Safety information, please make reference to the relevant MSDS.
Application of Oxidized Bitumen 85/40
Oxidized Bitumen 85/40 is a dark industrial bitumen. Petroleum residue modified by the oxidation process. In addition, Oxidized Bitumen is produced by passing air through bitumen under a controlled temperature state. Its stability ranges from highly viscous to solid. Oxidized Bitumen grade has technical advantages such as durability, flexibility, water-resistant and chemical stability. There is also a different grade of oxidized bitumen.
The Oxidised Bitumen 85/40 should be heated double temperature against the softening point to be able to have flow and viscosity.
Packing of Oxidized Bitumen 85/40
Oxidized Bitumen 85/40 in various packing, including bitumen 85/40 is available in 20 & 50 kg Kraft Paper Bags / Poly Amide Bags, 25 kg Carton box and 150, 180, 200kg Steel Drums. In addition, oxidized bitumen packing also palletize, 40 bags can stack on the pallet. 20 pallets can load to the 20ft container.
Technical Data Sheet of Oxidized Bitumen 85/40
| Bitumen 85/40 | Test method | Unit | Specification |
| Specific gravity @25/25 C | ASTM D70 | (Kg/m3) | 1.05 approx. |
| Penetration @ 25°c | ASTM D5 | mm/10 | 35/40 |
| Softening point °c | ASTM D36 | °C | 80/90 |
| Ductility @25 °c | ASTM D113 | Cm | 3 |
| Loss on heating(wt) % | ASTM D6 | Wt. % | 0.2 max |
| Flashpoint c | ASTM D92 | °C | 260 min |
| Solubility is CS2(wt) % | ASTM D4 | Wt. % | 99 min |
| Spot test | A.A.S.H.O.T 102 | — | Negative |