Bitumen

Bitumen

Bitumen is a black, semi-solid form of petroleum. It is mainly used in road and other construction projects because it is an effective waterproofing agent and provides a durable surface. Bitumen is produced from petroleum refining processes, it can also be found naturally in underground deposits.

Bitumen modified with polymer

Polymer modified bitumen is designed to increase durability and strength and is more resistant to wear. Modified bitumen is often used in high-traffic areas such as highways because it can withstand repeated use and extreme weather conditions. It has become a popular choice for asphalt applications due to its longer shelf life and lower cost than traditional bitumen. It is able to seal cracks more effectively and reduce the need for frequent maintenance. It is more resistant to UV rays and provides better traction for car tires. This makes it a safer choice for high traffic areas as it can help reduce the risk of an accident. The polymers used in modified bitumen can be mentioned as styrene, butadiene, styrene (SBS) or styrene, butadiene, rubber (SBR) or ethylene, vinyl, acetate (EVA).

Bitumen emulsion

Bitumen emulsion is a mixture of bitumen and water that can be used as a waterproof material. Due to its relatively low viscosity, bitumen is easy to apply and can be spread quickly over large areas. High-grade emulsion for waterproof applications is heated before application to ensure maximum uniformity and adhesion to the surface. This type of bitumen has many advantages over other products, it is easy to use, affordable, non-toxic and free of dangerous chemicals, so it is safe to use in various projects.

Permeable graded bitumen

This bitumen is formulated in such a way that it increases water resistance in pavements. Designed to repel water and oil, this product is an ideal solution for areas that experience heavy rain. In the laboratory, through a needle, this test is performed at a temperature of 25 to 70 degrees Celsius, the deeper the penetration into the bitumen, the looser the bitumen, which can be suitable for areas with cold weather, but the rigid bitumen that penetrates They have less and are more suitable for hot areas.

Oxidized or blown bitumen

Oxidized bitumen is a modified bitumen that has been treated with an oxidizing agent, usually air, to increase viscosity and reduce fluidity. This treatment helps bitumen to be more resistant to extreme temperatures and increase its resistance to physical and chemical attacks. Oxidized bitumen is more resistant to water and is often used in applications such as roofing and paving, asphalt, adhesives and coatings. With increased temperature resistance, it is often used in the construction and maintenance of highways.

Performance Graded Bitumen or PG

It is a type of bitumen that is produced based on performance in different weather conditions. This product has different grades and classifications that are characterized by viscosity at different temperatures. This bitumen is used in roads because it offers superior performance over conventional bitumen and has better stability in a wide range of weather conditions.

Viscosity grading bitumen

Viscosity is a measure of how well a bitumen flows when heated. It is measured in centipoise and is related to the temperature of the bitumen. Bitumen viscosity grade is determined by internationally recognized standard test methods. It is an important characteristic when choosing a bitumen for use in a particular application because it determines how easily the bitumen can be applied and what performance characteristics it has. Bitumen with lower viscosity is easier to use and gives better adhesion to layers, while bitumen with higher viscosity has better resistance to temperature and hardening.

Soluble bitumen

Soluble bitumen is a type of bitumen that has been modified to dissolve in solvents such as gasoline or kerosene. It is created from the reaction of bitumen and an organic compound and can be used to make asphalt mixtures that are more resistant to weather damage and traffic wear. It can also be used in waterproofing applications, sealing seams, roof coverings, filling cracks in roads and other surfaces. The use of this Bitumen helps a lot in reducing dust emission on the road.

Final word

Bitumen is a versatile material that can be modified to meet different needs and mixed with other materials such as sand and used in road construction and pavement projects. Also, with polymers and additives, modified bitumen can be created and used as a waterproofing agent.