Bitumen 60/70

Description of bitumen 60/70

Bitumen penetration grade 60/70 indicates a penetration range between 60 and 70 mm/10 at standard test conditions, making it an ideal paving choice. Specifically, this grade highlights bitumen hardness within the range of 60 to 70. First, producers create this bitumen through vacuum distillation, ensuring it aligns with industry requirements for both penetration and softening point tests. Additionally, this grade’s thermoplastic nature allows it to soften in high temperatures and harden in cooler conditions. Consequently, this unique relationship between temperature and viscosity influences critical performance factors, including adhesion, rheology, durability, and ideal application temperatures.

Since temperature significantly affects bitumen’s behavior, its stiffness relies on both the crude oil type and the refining process. Therefore, bitumen 60/70 performs as a semi-hard penetration grade, making it an excellent choice for road construction and repair. As one of the most commonly used grades, bitumen 60/70 forms the foundation of many bituminous products.

The penetration value, which measures bitumen hardness, emerges from assessing how deep a standard needle can penetrate vertically in a bitumen sample held at 25°C for five seconds.

How to ensure high-quality bitumen grade 60/70

To secure high-quality bitumen, several factors play a key role. After confirming the appropriate penetration range, consider the following:

– Odor: Firstly, a minimal smell indicates low sulfur levels, as some manufacturers may add sulfur to increase the bitumen’s weight, which affects its quality.
– Viscosity: Additionally, verifying the viscosity range confirms quality since some producers use low-grade vacuum residues instead of vacuum bottom, harming bitumen’s performance.
– Spot test: Moreover, a negative spot test result assures quality, as direct heating can burn the bitumen, altering its characteristics.
– Ductility: Bitumen 60/70 also requires high ductility to retain flexibility at lower temperatures. Adding small amounts of rubber or extender oil can further boost ductility.

Viscosity of bitumen grade 60/70

With a viscosity range of 1,600 to 2,400 cSt, bitumen 60/70 provides strong resistance to flow, which enhances both durability and deformation resistance in asphalt mixtures. Wax content directly impacts viscosity, so lower wax content makes applications easier, improving flow properties.

Uses of bitumen grade 60/70

When it comes to road construction, bitumen 60/70 stands out, proving highly effective in asphalt pavements. This grade works especially well in hot-mix asphalt production for bases and wearing courses. For road projects in mild regions, bitumen grade 60/70 performs optimally because of its oxidation process, which ensures medium air blowing and suitable penetration, making it ideal for moderate climates.

Properties of bitumen 60/70

ATDM ensures that every batch of bitumen grade 60/70 meets strict quality standards. Certified international inspectors verify each shipment, guaranteeing that it aligns with ASTM and EN requirements before dispatch. ATDM’s commitment to quality ensures each batch offers consistent performance.

Warranty for bitumen grade 60/70

ATDM guarantees the quality of bitumen grade 60/70 by organizing international inspectors to check both quality and quantity during vessel loading. Additionally, the QC team oversees production with thorough batch testing, verifying each shipment’s compliance with ASTM/EN 12591 standards.

Penetration Bitumen 60/70 Specifications:

– Specific Gravity @ 25°C: 1.01-1.06 (ASTM D70)
– Penetration @ 25°C: 60-70 mm/10 (ASTM D5)
– Softening Point: 49-56°C (ASTM D36)
– Ductility @ 25°C: 100 cm min (ASTM D113)
– Loss on Heating: 0.2% max (ASTM D6)
– Drop in Penetration After Heating: 20% max (ASTM D5-D6)
– Flashpoint: 232°C min (ASTM D92)
– Solubility in CS₂: 99% min (ASTM D2042)
– Spot Test: Negative (AASHTO T102)