Bitumen

Bitumen

Natural Bitumen (Native Asphalt)

  • Formed naturally over thousands of years.

  • Does not require refining processes.

  • Used in specific applications such as insulation and coatings.

Petroleum Bitumen (Asphalt)

  • Obtained from the distillation of crude oil.

  • The most widely used type globally.

  • Applied in road construction, roofing, and waterproofing.

Coal Tar Pitch

  • Produced from the distillation of coal tar.

  • Solid and glossy when fractured.

  • Used in coatings and electrical insulation.

Penetration Grade Bitumen

  • Classified by needle penetration grades (e.g., 60/70, 80/100).

  • Commonly used in road paving.

Cutback Bitumen

  • Bitumen blended with solvents to reduce viscosity.

  • Suitable for cold weather conditions.

  • Types: Rapid Curing (RC), Medium Curing (MC), Slow Curing (SC).

Emulsified Bitumen

  • A mixture of bitumen, water, and an emulsifying agent.

  • Used for road maintenance and surface treatments.

  • Types: Cationic (CRS, CMS, CSS) and Anionic.

Polymer Modified Bitumen (PMB)

  • Bitumen enhanced with polymers to improve performance.

  • Resistant to cracking and deformation.

  • Ideal for high-traffic areas.

Oxidized Bitumen (Blown Bitumen)

  • Produced by blowing hot air through bitumen.

  • Hard and impermeable.

  • Used in waterproofing, roofing, and protective coatings.

Mastic Asphalt

  • Bitumen mixed with mineral fillers.

  • Highly resistant to water and heat.

  • Applied in flooring and industrial roofing.