Product Introduction & Main Application
Arnico’s Penetration Grade Bitumen is a straight-run bitumen produced from the vacuum distillation of crude oil. It is classified and graded by its penetration value (hardness) at 25°C. Standard grades such as 60/70 and 85/100 are the fundamental binders in hot-mix asphalt for road construction and serve as the essential waterproofing base for building materials like roofing felt and damp-proof courses. It is the most widely used grade of bitumen in the global construction industry.
2. Technical Specifications
| Technical Parameter | Penetration Grade 60/70 | Penetration Grade 85/100 | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penetration at 25°C, 100g, 5s | 60 – 70 | 85 – 100 | dmm |
| Softening Point (R&B) | 49 – 56 | 45 – 52 | °C |
| Flash Point (Cleveland Open Cup) | ≥ 250 | ≥ 230 | °C |
| Ductility at 25°C | ≥ 100 | ≥ 100 | cm |
| Solubility in Trichloroethylene | ≥ 99.5 | ≥ 99.5 | % |
| Loss on Heating (RTFOT) | ≤ 0.8 | ≤ 1.0 | % |
| Retained Penetration after RTFOT | ≥ 54 | ≥ 50 | % |
3. Features & Benefits
Optimal Viscoelasticity: The 60/70 and 85/100 grades provide the ideal balance between hardness for traffic load resistance and flexibility to prevent brittleness.
Strong Adhesive Properties: Creates a durable and lasting mechanical and chemical bond with a wide range of acidic and alkaline stone aggregates.
Excellent Waterproofing: Its low permeability and high hydrophobicity make it an irreplaceable material for sealing and protecting building structures.
Thermoplastic Processability: Easily liquefied on heating for mixing and spraying, and reverts to a solid, stable state upon cooling.
Proven Performance: The most standardized and understood bitumen product, providing predictable results for contractors, engineers, and asset owners.
4. Industrial Applications
Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA): The primary binder for manufacturing wearing, binder, and base courses for all classes of road.
Roofing Felt (Waterproofing): The core material saturated and coated to produce rolled roofing membranes and shingles.
Damp-Proofing and Tanking: Applied as a mop coat or felting layer to foundations, basements, and retaining walls to prevent groundwater ingress.
Bituminous Paints and Coatings: Dissolved in solvents to create cold-applied protective coatings for metal pipes, tanks, and structures.
5. Safety & Handling
MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet): The product is handled at high temperatures (150-180°C), presenting a severe burn risk. The complete MSDS is available from Arnico.
Storage Conditions: Must be stored in insulated, heated tanks with thermostatic controls and circulation to prevent localized overheating and thermal degradation.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Full-face heat shield, heavy-duty heat-resistant gloves, and safety footwear are mandatory for all personnel involved in loading, sampling, or handling.
6. Quality Assurance & COA
Arnico Penetration Grade Bitumen conforms to ASTM D946 and ISIRI standards. Every export shipment is accompanied by an independent surveyor’s Certificate of Quality and a comprehensive Certificate of Analysis (COA) to guarantee specification compliance.
