Penetration grade bitumens are one of the most widely used types of petroleum bitumen. They are graded based on their level of hardness or softness at a temperature of 25°C and under a specific load of 100 grams for 5 seconds. This type of bitumen is commonly used in hot-mix asphalt, road paving layers, and civil works.
The higher the penetration number, the softer the bitumen, making it more suitable for cold regions. Meanwhile, lower grades are used for hot regions.
Hard and resistant bitumen with high adhesion, suitable for hot regions and areas with heavy traffic loads.
|
Feature |
Unit |
Test Method |
Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Penetration @25°C |
0.1 mm |
ASTM D5 |
40-50 |
|
Softening Point |
°C |
ASTM D36 |
52-60 |
|
Ductility @25°C |
cm |
ASTM D113 |
>100 |
|
Flash Point |
°C |
ASTM D92 |
>250 |
|
Specific Gravity |
– |
ASTM D70 |
1.01-1.06 |
|
Solubility in TCE |
% wt |
ASTM D2042 |
>99 |
|
Loss on Heating |
% wt |
ASTM D6 |
<0.5 |
Semi-hard bitumen with a good balance between adhesion and thermal stability. The most widely used type in road construction projects.
|
Feature |
Unit |
Test Method |
Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Penetration @25°C |
0.1 mm |
ASTM D5 |
50-70 |
|
Softening Point |
°C |
ASTM D36 |
48-56 |
|
Ductility @25°C |
cm |
ASTM D113 |
>100 |
|
Flash Point |
°C |
ASTM D92 |
>250 |
|
Specific Gravity |
– |
ASTM D70 |
1.01-1.06 |
|
Solubility in TCE |
% wt |
ASTM D2042 |
>99 |
|
Loss on Heating |
% wt |
ASTM D6 |
<0.5 |
Softer than grade 50/70, suitable for relatively cold regions and projects requiring higher flexibility.
|
Feature |
Unit |
Test Method |
Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Penetration @25°C |
0.1 mm |
ASTM D5 |
60-70 |
|
Softening Point |
°C |
ASTM D36 |
47-54 |
|
Ductility @25°C |
cm |
ASTM D113 |
>100 |
|
Flash Point |
°C |
ASTM D92 |
>250 |
|
Specific Gravity |
– |
ASTM D70 |
1.01-1.06 |
|
Solubility in TCE |
% wt |
ASTM D2042 |
>99 |
|
Loss on Heating |
% wt |
ASTM D6 |
<0.5 |
Soft bitumen with high flexibility, specifically for cold regions and projects that need crack resistance.
|
Feature |
Unit |
Test Method |
Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Penetration @25°C |
0.1 mm |
ASTM D5 |
85-100 |
|
Softening Point |
°C |
ASTM D36 |
42-50 |
|
Ductility @25°C |
cm |
ASTM D113 |
>100 |
|
Flash Point |
°C |
ASTM D92 |
>240 |
|
Specific Gravity |
– |
ASTM D70 |
1.01-1.05 |
|
Solubility in TCE |
% wt |
ASTM D2042 |
>99 |
|
Loss on Heating |
% wt |
ASTM D6 |
<0.5 |
