1. Product Introduction & Main Application
Arnico’s Bitumen is a black, sticky, semi-solid hydrocarbon material obtained from the residue of the vacuum distillation of crude oil, supplied in accordance with international standards. Thanks to its exceptional adhesive and waterproofing properties, this material acts as the primary binder in the production of hot mix asphalt for road paving, moisture insulation in buildings, and protective coatings for steel pipes.
2. Technical Specifications
| Technical Parameter | Penetration Grade 60/70 | Performance Grade PG 64-22 | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penetration at 25°C | 60 – 70 | Per AASHTO M320 | dmm |
| Softening Point (Ring & Ball) | 49 – 56 | ≥ 64 (High Temp PG) | °C |
| Flash Point (Cleveland) | ≥ 250 | ≥ 230 | °C |
| Solubility in Trichloroethylene | ≥ 99.0 | ≥ 99.0 | % |
| Mass Loss after RTFOT | ≤ 0.8 | ≤ 1.0 | % |
| Penetration Index (PI) | -1.5 to +0.7 | – | – |
| Dynamic Viscosity at 60°C | ≥ 2000 | – | Poise |
3. Features & Benefits
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Excellent Adhesion & Cohesion: Creates a strong, durable bond between stone aggregates (coarse and fine), increasing pavement service life.
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Flexibility & Crack Resistance: Performance Grade (PG) binders are engineered to withstand extreme temperature variations without thermal cracking or rutting.
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Absolute Waterproofing: Zero permeability to moisture, making it the optimal choice for waterproofing membranes and pipeline coatings.
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Resistance to Oxidation & Aging: Chemical stability against UV radiation and weather conditions, guaranteeing long-term durability.
4. Industrial Applications
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Road Construction & Civil Engineering: The primary material in Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) for highways, motorways, and airport runways.
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Building Waterproofing: Production of roofing felt and foundation moisture barriers.
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Oil & Gas Industry: External coating for steel oil and gas transmission pipelines (Coating Enamel).
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Chemical Industry: A raw material in the production of anti-corrosion paints, engineering mastics, and industrial adhesives.
5. Safety & Handling
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MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet): Hot bitumen (above 150°C) causes severe skin burns, and its fumes are irritating. The MSDS file must be obtained from Arnico.
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Storage Conditions: Store in heated and insulated tanks at a temperature of 140-180°C. Water ingress into the tank must be strictly prevented (risk of foaming and eruption).
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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): When working with hot bitumen, the use of heat-resistant clothing and gloves, safety boots, a face shield, and goggles is mandatory.
6. Quality Assurance & COA
Arnico Bitumen shipments are accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (COA) including penetration, softening point, and mass loss tests.
