Bitumen (Penetration & Performance Grades)
Bitumen
“The black glue that builds the world’s roads: durable, waterproof, and engineered to last.” Arnico’s Bitumen is the refined residue from crude oil that provides the essential binding and waterproofing properties for modern infrastructure. From paving highways that withstand heavy traffic and extreme weather, to waterproofing the roofs over our heads, our penetration and performance-grade bitumens are engineered for durability and long-term reliability. It’s the foundation, both literally and figuratively, of resilient construction.
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Bitumen ARNICO: The Foundation of Enduring Infrastructure, Delivering Uncompromising Performance and Longevity
Bitumen, a highly viscous, black, and thermoplastic hydrocarbon material, is the cornerstone of modern infrastructure. Sourced from the meticulous refining of select crude oils and marketed under the trusted brand Bitumen ARNICO, this product represents the pinnacle of quality, consistency, and performance in the construction and industrial sectors. It is not merely a binder; it is a complex viscoelastic material engineered to withstand the harshest environmental conditions, heavy traffic loads, and the test of time. Bitumen ARNICO is the result of rigorous quality control, precise manufacturing processes, and a deep understanding of the demanding requirements of road construction, waterproofing, and industrial applications. It is the fundamental building block for durable, safe, and sustainable infrastructure projects worldwide.
The true power of Bitumen ARNICO lies in its remarkable versatility, achieved through the production of various refined grades, each tailored for specific performance criteria set by international standards. Its unique thermoplastic nature allows it to soften upon heating for easy mixing and application, and then return to a solid, robust state upon cooling, creating a strong, adhesive, and waterproof matrix.
ARNICO supplies Bitumen in a comprehensive range of grades to precisely match the diverse needs of the global market:
1. Penetration Grade Bitumen: This is the most widely used classification, characterized by its hardness or consistency, measured by a penetration test. The designation (e.g., 60/70) refers to the penetration depth of a standard needle in tenths of a millimeter. These grades are the workhorse for asphalt pavement (hot mix asphalt) across various climates and traffic conditions. ARNICO offers the most sought-after grades, including 40/50, 60/70, and 85/100, ensuring optimal performance for everything from heavy-duty highways to residential streets.
2. Viscosity Grade Bitumen: This classification is based on the bitumen’s viscosity at 60°C, providing a more scientific approach to predicting its performance at high service temperatures. Viscosity grades like VG-30 and VG-40 are increasingly preferred by engineers for their superior ability to withstand rutting and deformation in high-temperature environments and under heavy loads, offering enhanced pavement durability.
3. Performance Grade (PG) Bitumen: Representing the most advanced and performance-based specification system, PG grades are selected based on the specific climatic conditions of the project site. A PG grade, such as PG 64-22, indicates the material’s ability to perform reliably within a defined temperature range, guaranteeing resistance to both high-temperature rutting and low-temperature cracking. ARNICO offers custom PG grades to meet the most stringent engineering requirements for critical infrastructure.
The decisive competitive advantage of Bitumen ARNICO lies in its unwavering consistency and purity. Sourced from premium crude feedstocks and refined using state-of-the-art technology, every batch is produced to meet or exceed the most rigorous international standards, including ASTM, EN, and AASHTO. This ensures predictable performance, ease of handling, and long-term reliability, making ARNICO the partner of choice for contractors and project owners who demand nothing but the best.
Technical Specifications, Guaranteed Analysis, and Grades of ARNICO Bitumen
This section presents the engineering foundation and scientific backbone of the product. The table below directly represents ARNICO’s qualitative commitments and forms the definitive basis for the Certificate of Analysis (COA) issued for every single production batch. These certified parameters are the primary criteria for evaluation, quality assurance, and formal acceptance of consignments by leading construction firms and government agencies worldwide. At ARNICO, quality is a guaranteed, verifiable specification.
Table of Technical Specifications by Primary Grade
| Parameter | Penetration Grade (60/70) | Viscosity Grade (VG-30) | Performance Grade (PG 64-22) | Unit | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Specific Gravity @ 25°C | 1.00 – 1.05 | 1.00 – 1.05 | 1.00 – 1.05 | – | ASTM D70 |
| Penetration @ 25°C | 60 – 70 | ≥ 45 | – | 0.1 mm (dmm) | ASTM D5 |
| Softening Point (Ring & Ball) | 48 – 52 | ≥ 47 | – | °C | ASTM D36 |
| Ductility @ 25°C | ≥ 100 | ≥ 75 | – | cm | ASTM D113 |
| Flash Point (Cleveland Open Cup) | ≥ 250 | ≥ 220 | ≥ 230 | °C | ASTM D92 |
| Solubility in Trichloroethylene | ≥ 99.5 | ≥ 99.0 | ≥ 99.0 | % wt. | ASTM D2042 |
| Absolute Viscosity @ 60°C | 200 – 300 | 2400 – 3600 | – | Poise | ASTM D2171 |
| Kinematic Viscosity @ 135°C | ≥ 300 | ≥ 350 | ≤ 3000 | cSt | ASTM D2170 |
| Loss on Heating (Thin Film Oven Test) | ≤ 0.5 | ≤ 0.5 | ≤ 1.0 | % wt. | ASTM D1754 |
| Retained Penetration after TFOT | ≥ 54 | ≥ 40 | – | % of original | ASTM D5 |
| Wax Content | ≤ 2.2 | ≤ 2.0 | – | % wt. | DIN 52015 |
Expert Parameter Guide (For Informed and Professional Selection)
A true professional understands that the value of bitumen lies in its precise physical properties. This guide will empower you to make the most informed technical and economic decisions:
Penetration: The Grade Identifier. This is the most fundamental property. It measures the hardness or consistency of the bitumen. A lower penetration number (e.g., 40/50) indicates a harder grade, suitable for hot climates and heavy traffic loads where resistance to rutting is paramount. A higher number (e.g., 85/100) indicates a softer grade, ideal for colder climates where resistance to low-temperature cracking is critical.
Softening Point: The High-Temperature Performance Indicator. This is the temperature at which the bitumen reaches a specific softness. A higher softening point indicates a material that will better resist deformation (rutting) under high service temperatures, making it crucial for roads in hot climates.
Ductility: The Flexibility and Cohesion Measure. This property measures the ability of bitumen to stretch without breaking. High ductility is essential for the longevity of pavements, as it allows the binder to accommodate movement and stress without cracking. It ensures the cohesive strength of the binder in the asphalt mix.
Viscosity: The Workability and Performance Predictor. For Viscosity Grades, the absolute viscosity at 60°C is the primary specification. It directly correlates with the material’s resistance to permanent deformation at high pavement temperatures. The kinematic viscosity at 135°C (mixing temperature) ensures the bitumen can be properly pumped and mixed with aggregates without excessive energy.
Loss on Heating and Retained Penetration: The Durability Index. These parameters are derived from the Thin Film Oven Test (TFOT), which simulates the short-term aging of bitumen during hot mix asphalt production. A low “loss on heating” and a high “retained penetration” percentage indicate superior resistance to oxidation and hardening, leading to a longer-lasting, more durable pavement.
Technical, Economic, and Operational Advantages of ARNICO Bitumen with Proven Industrial Applications
This section moves beyond the technical datasheet to explore the practical benefits and real-world applications that have made ARNICO Bitumen a preferred choice for engineers and contractors globally.
Key Advantages: Why is ARNICO Bitumen the Superior Choice?
1. Uncompromising Quality and Performance.
Bitumen ARNICO is refined from select, high-quality crude oils and manufactured under stringent process controls. This results in a product with exceptional consistency, high purity, and a property profile that meets or exceeds the most demanding international standards (ASTM, AASHTO, EN). The direct result is superior asphalt pavement performance, including excellent resistance to rutting, fatigue cracking, and moisture damage, ensuring a longer service life and reduced life-cycle costs.
2. Exceptional Adhesion and Cohesion.
The primary function of bitumen is to act as a strong, durable adhesive, binding mineral aggregates together in asphalt mixtures. Bitumen ARNICO exhibits exceptional adhesion to a wide variety of aggregate types, ensuring a strong, cohesive pavement structure. This superior bonding minimizes the risk of aggregate stripping (separation of binder from aggregate) under traffic and water, a common cause of pavement failure.
3. Superior Waterproofing and Durability.
Bitumen is inherently hydrophobic (water-repelling) and chemically inert. These properties make it the ideal material for waterproofing applications, from roofing felts to dam liners. Bitumen ARNICO forms a durable, impermeable barrier that protects structures from water ingress, preventing corrosion of underlying materials and ensuring long-term structural integrity.
4. Remarkable Versatility Across Applications.
From high-traffic highways to airport runways, and from roofing membranes to pipe coatings, Bitumen ARNICO is the material of choice for a vast array of applications. The availability of multiple grades—Penetration, Viscosity, and Performance—allows engineers to select the precise binder for the specific climate, traffic, and structural demands of any project.
5. Proven Long-Term Economic Value.
While the initial cost of high-quality bitumen is a factor, its contribution to the longevity of infrastructure provides undeniable long-term economic value. Roads built with Bitumen ARNICO require less frequent maintenance and repair, reducing life-cycle costs and minimizing disruptions. Its durability translates directly into significant savings for project owners and taxpayers.
Specialized and Proven Fields of Application:
Road and Highway Construction:
Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA): The primary use of penetration and viscosity grade bitumens for constructing durable, high-performance asphalt pavements for highways, urban streets, and rural roads.
Surface Dressing and Seal Coats: Protecting underlying pavement structures and restoring skid resistance.
Airport Runways and Ports:
Design of heavy-duty asphalt pavements capable of withstanding the immense loads of aircraft and container handling equipment, often using polymer-modified bitumen or specific high-performance grades.
Waterproofing and Damp-Proofing:
Roofing: Manufacturing of roofing felts, shingles, and membranes.
Underground Structures: Protecting basements, foundations, and tunnels from water ingress.
Hydraulic Structures: Lining canals, reservoirs, and dams to prevent water seepage.
Industrial Applications:
Pipe Coatings: Providing a protective, corrosion-resistant coating for buried pipelines.
Joint Fillers: Manufacturing expansion joint fillers for bridges and concrete pavements.
Battery Sealing Compounds: Acting as a sealant in the production of certain types of batteries.
Emulsions and Cutbacks:
Serving as the base material for producing bitumen emulsions and cutback bitumen, which are used for surface treatments, tack coats, and prime coats in road construction.
Safety, Health, and Operational Integrity; The Cornerstone of ARNICO’s Commitment and Your Assurance of a Reliable Partnership
This section is dedicated to the two foundational pillars of ARNICO’s commitment: first, complete transparency and the provision of actionable guidance for safe handling; and second, the exposition of an integrated quality assurance system that elevates our product to a full-fledged engineering solution.
Comprehensive Safety, Handling, and Storage Guide
Bitumen ARNICO is supplied and handled at elevated temperatures (typically 150-180°C) to maintain it in a fluid state for pumping and mixing. This high-temperature nature demands strict adherence to safety protocols to prevent severe thermal burns and ensure product integrity.
Mandatory Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Before any handling or operation involving hot bitumen, the use of the following protective layer is non-negotiable:
Gloves: Heavy-duty, heat-resistant gloves made of leather or thermal-resistant fabric.
Eye and Face Protection: A full-face shield (Face Shield) or chemical goggles in conjunction with a face shield to protect against splashes of hot bitumen.
Body Protection: Full-length, heat-resistant and chemical-resistant clothing, such as a welder’s apron or a full-body suit. Safety boots with high ankle protection are mandatory.
Respiratory Protection: In areas with poor ventilation or when handling heated bitumen that produces fumes, use a respirator with organic vapor cartridges.
Critical Safety Hazard: Thermal Burns.
This is the most significant hazard. Hot bitumen will cause severe, deep thermal burns upon contact with skin.
NEVER attempt to remove solidified bitumen from the skin. Cool the affected area immediately with copious amounts of cold water and seek emergency medical attention immediately. The bitumen will be removed by medical professionals using specialized solvents.
Never add water to hot bitumen. The water will instantly turn to steam, causing a violent and dangerous eruption or boil-over.
Emergency Procedures and First Aid Measures:
On Skin (Thermal Burn): Immerse the affected area in cold water immediately and continuously for at least 10-15 minutes. Do not attempt to peel off the bitumen. Cover with a clean, wet cloth and seek immediate medical help.
In Eyes: Rinse immediately and thoroughly with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes. Seek immediate medical attention.
Inhalation of Fumes: Move the person to fresh air. If breathing difficulty or dizziness occurs, seek immediate medical advice.
Golden Rules for Optimal Storage and Handling:
Storage: Bitumen is typically stored in specialized, heated storage tanks that maintain the product at the recommended temperature for pumping (usually 150-180°C). Tanks must be equipped with temperature gauges and safety valves.
Temperature Control: Overheating bitumen can lead to thermal cracking and degradation of its properties, as well as increased fume generation. Never exceed the manufacturer’s recommended maximum storage temperature.
Spill Management: In case of a spill, allow the material to cool and solidify. Once solid, it can be mechanically scraped up and disposed of according to local regulations. Do not allow hot bitumen to enter drains or waterways.
Incompatible Materials: Keep away from strong oxidizers. Ensure no water can enter storage tanks.
Safety Data Sheet (SDS): The complete and official Safety Data Sheet, compliant with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), is always available for download on the official ARNICO website. It is a legal and professional imperative that all employers and safety officers study this document thoroughly.
ARNICO’s Quality Assurance System and Technical Services; Beyond Being Just a Supplier
Quality assurance at ARNICO is a holistic, end-to-end process that starts with crude oil selection and continues through to post-sale technical support.
Guaranteed Certificate of Analysis (COA): Every consignment of an ARNICO product is accompanied by its own unique, batch-specific COA. This certificate contains the actual results of laboratory analyses, verifying key parameters such as penetration, softening point, ductility, and viscosity, guaranteeing the product’s full conformity to our stringent specifications.
Expert On-Site Technical and Engineering Services: Our team of experienced specialists will serve as your dedicated technical arm, providing invaluable support including:
Mix Design Consultation: Assisting in the selection of the optimal bitumen grade and formulation for your specific asphalt mix design.
Application Support: Providing technical guidance on best practices for storage, heating, and application to ensure optimal performance.
Periodic Site Visits and Continuous Performance Monitoring: Ensuring the long-term, stable quality of the product and proactively addressing any technical queries.
For more information, to request a free expert technical consultation, to ask for a sample COA, or to place an order, please visit the ARNICO website and contact our commercial and technical specialists. ARNICO: Your Trusted Partner for Clarity and Sustainable Quality.
Technical documents for Bitumen products, including Technical Data Sheet (TDS), Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), and Certificate of Analysis (COA), are available to customers upon request.
To receive these documents and additional information, please contact the company’s technical or sales department or contact us via email.
Commitment to Arnico quality; production cycle Bitumen
Trust of Major Industries in Arnico
Stable supply and strong logistics chain
With Arnico, production stoppages are a thing of the past. Our global supply network and strategic warehouses ensure that your raw materials are supplied on time and without interruption, even amidst market fluctuations.
Quality assurance with a valid Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Every shipment of Arnico is shipped with a dedicated analysis sheet. Ensure full compliance with international standards before unloading. Our transparency is your peace of mind.
Transparent pricing and elimination of unnecessary intermediaries
Direct sourcing and eliminating intermediaries has brought our prices closer to global rates. With Arniko, you will experience smart, economical, and completely transparent shopping.
Specialized technical advice; beyond a supplier
Arnico’s technical team is by your side before you make a purchase. From selecting the right grade to sample analysis, our detailed, complimentary consultation guides you toward the best decision. Arniko—your technical partner on the path to growth.
Quick Guide to Buying Bitumen
What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ)? Is it possible to make a trial purchase?
The minimum order quantity (MOQ) for Bitumen is one ton (1000 kg) equivalent to 40 bags of 25 kg. However, for new buyers, Arniko offers a trial batch of 200 to 500 kg at a special price to test the quality of the product in its production line. Samples of 1 to 5 kg are also sent free of charge to accredited customers. For purchases of more than 5 tons, a significant volume discount is applied.
What documents and certificates do you provide to ensure quality?
Arnico provides the following complete package of documents for each shipment:Certificate of Analysis (COA)from a National Standards Organization accredited laboratory
Commercial with full specifications
ISO 9001:2015 certificate (quality management) and ISO 14001 (environmental management)
NSF/ANSI 60 approval for food grade (suitable for drinking water)
SGS or Bureau Veritas inspection certificate can also be provided upon request All these documents will be provided to the buyer for final approval before loading, and in case of non-compliance, the buyer has the right to cancel.
What are the payment methods and transaction guarantees for foreign buyers?
Yes. Food Grade Bitumen is FDA approved and meets NSF/ANSI 60 standards for use in drinking water treatment. Products supplied by Arnico are completely free of harmful heavy metals (such as arsenic, mercury and lead) and come with accurate laboratory analysis. We provide a certified Certificate of Analysis (COA) for every export shipment.
What is the delivery time and shipping cost to different destinations?
The order delivery time is as follows:
Stock orders: Maximum 5 to 7 business days after receiving the advance payment
Production orders (custom): Maximum 15 to 21 business days
Sea export: Depending on Destination, 20 to 45 days plus shipping time
Shipping cost is calculated in two ways:
FOB (port of origin): includes product price + loading in Bandar Abbas, Asaluyeh or Imam Khomeini
CIF (port of destination): includes cost price + sea freight + insurance to port of destination
Arnico Logistics Team cooperates with 3 reputable international shipping companies and calculates the best rates for neighboring countries, Central Asia, Africa, Europe and China. Also, the exact production and shipping schedule is announced to the buyer on a weekly basis so that the purchasing planning process is completely transparent.
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Your satisfaction is our credit.
Our support team, consisting of experienced experts, is ready to answer your questions and challenges in the shortest possible time. Our goal is to provide you with a precise and practical solution.