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About asphalt cement bitumen

Types of asphalt cement bitumen

Asphalt cement bitumen is defined as a sticky, black, and viscous liquid substance that has impressive waterproofing and adhesive qualities. It is commonly used in road construction and waterproofing products. The composition of bitumen consists mainly of short and long-chain hydrocarbons made from crude oil. This may include some natural or synthetic polymers that can modify its qualities and uses. There are various kinds of asphalt cement bitumen based on different factors.

  • Cutback Bitumen

    Cutback Bitumen is formed when Bitumen is mixed with a certain amount of solvent. The solvents're volatility determines whether Cutback Bitumen is suitable for usage. Because of their quick curing times, Rapid curing cutbacks are often employed in pre-mixed asphalts and road construction. Medium curing cutbacks work well for surface dressing and rural sealing, while Slow curing cutbacks are ideal for rural roads where extended traffic delays are possible.

  • Bitumen Emulsion

    The procedure in which water is used to disperse bitumen is known as emulsification. An emulsifier is also used in this procedure to keep the bitumen and water mixed together. While emulsions are still liquid, they may easily be combined with aggregates to create bitumen-stabilized aggregates. The water then evaporates, leaving a solid mass that is lined with bitumen. Bitumen emulsion can be divided into three varieties: anionic, cationic, and non-ionic. The nature of the emulsifying agent determines how they differ from one another. They include distinct characteristics and uses, which makes them appropriate for a variety of applications, including road construction, sealing, and coating.

    For instance, the anionic bitumen emulsion, which has a negative charge, is appropriate for blending with aggregates that have a lower fine content. It works well for rural roads and seal coating. Bitumen emulsions with a cationic positive charge are appropriate for blending with aggregates that have a greater fine content. They are frequently employed in metropolitan road construction and fixing pot holes. The non-ionic bitumen emulsion has no electric charge. It is appropriate for use in areas with a limited aggregate content as well as for sand cement bases.

Specifications and maintenance of asphalt cement bitumen

Specifications

  • Softening point: The softening point is when the bitumen starts to flow under a specific temperature condition. It gives an idea of the temperature at which bitumen will behave like a viscous liquid and can be easily handled and processed.
  • Viscosity: Viscosity is a measure of the internal friction of a fluid and its resistance to flow. In bitumen cement, viscosity increases with temperature. High viscosity means the bitumen is thick, and low viscosity means the bitumen is thin and more fluid.
  • Penetration: Penetration is the distance in tenths of a millimeter that a standard needle penetrates vertically into a bitumen sample under a defined weight and temperature. The deeper the needle penetrates, the lower the firmness of the material.
  • Elasticity: Elasticity is the ability of the material to return to its original shape after being deformed. This characteristic is particularly important for asphalt compounds used in road construction, where it should withstand the weight of vehicles without losing its shape.
  • Cracking resistance: This characteristic measures the bitumen's ability to resist the formation of cracks when subjected to tensile stress or variation in temperature. Cracking in bitumen can lead to reduced durability and increased susceptibility to water damage.

Maintenance

It is very important to preserve the properties of asphalt cement bitumen. Improper storage practices can lead to the degradation of bitumen, resulting in economic losses and road performance issues.

  • Storage tanks: The use of storage tanks or silos with heating systems is essential for maintaining the temperature of bitumen during storage. This prevents the bitumen from solidifying and keeps it in a liquid state for longer periods. Moreover, the heating systems should be insulated properly to avoid heat loss and ensure energy efficiency.
  • Temperature control: The temperature of the bitumen should be maintained within a specific range to avoid overheating or cooling. This ensures that the quality and properties of the bitumen are preserved. Adding antioxidant compounds can also help prevent bitumen oxidation during storage. These additives work by neutralizing free radicals generated through the oxidation process, thereby extending the shelf life of the material.
  • Regular maintenance: Regular maintenance of storage tanks is also crucial to ensure the integrity of the bitumen stored. Cleaning and inspecting the tanks periodically help remove impurities or contaminants that may degrade the quality of the bitumen. Additionally, sealing and repairing any leaks or damages in the tank can prevent such contaminants from entering the stored material.
  • Avoiding contamination: During storage and transportation, the bitumen should be protected from contaminants, such as water, dirt, or foreign materials, which can affect its quality. Using sealed and clean tanker trucks for transportation helps minimize the risk of contamination.

Usage scenarios of bitumen

Asphalt cement, also known as bitumen, has a wide range of applications in the construction, automotive, paint, and glue industries.

  • Infrastructure development

    Bitumen's exceptional adhesive properties and ability to withstand heavy traffic make it the material of choice for road construction and maintenance. It forms a durable and long-lasting surface when used in asphalt concrete. Beyond roads, bitumen is also employed in the creation of waterproof tunnels and the enhancement of soil stability for roads through bitumen tree soil treatment.

  • Roads and pavements

    Bitumen serves as the primary material for road construction. Approximately 80% of the world's bitumen supply is used for this purpose. In road construction, bitumen is mixed with mineral aggregates to create asphalt concrete, which is used as a binding and waterproofing agent. Bitumen roads are not only cost-effective but also durable.

  • Roofing and waterproofing

    Bitumen is a common material utilized in waterproofing, especially in roofing applications. It serves as the primary ingredient in roofing felt and water insulating paper. Modified Bitumen is a contemporary roofing technique that combines traditional felt technology with the use of polymers to enhance roof performance.

  • Energy production and storage

    Bitumen storage tanks, often referred to as bitumen silos or reservoirs, serve the purpose of storing bitumen cement. These tanks are designed to maintain the desired temperature of the stored bitumen in order to preserve its quality and facilitate subsequent usage.

  • Adhesives and sealants

    Bitumen is commonly used in the production of adhesives and sealants due to its excellent bonding properties and waterproof characteristics. Typically, bitumen is modified with polymers to enhance its performance and adaptability to different applications. The resulting polymer-modified bitumen exhibits improved adhesion strength, durability, and resistance to environmental factors.

  • Automotive applications

    Bitumen plays a significant role in the automotive industry, where it is utilized in asphalt products and sealing compounds. These applications include the sealing of windshields, headlights, and other components to ensure a tight and durable bond. Bitumen-based sealants assist in preventing water ingress, noise transmission, and vibration, thereby enhancing the overall performance and longevity of vehicles.

How to choose asphalt cement bitumen

Asphalt cement and bitumen can be utilized for a plethora of applications ranging from paving roads, protective coatings, and waterproofing to adhesive. When purchasing asphalt cement, it is crucial that wholesalers and retailers consider the following factors.

  • Quality and performance: When buying asphalt cement, it is essential that retailers look for products that meet the required standards and specifications. The performance of asphalt cement is heavily dependent on the quality of the bitumen, so make sure they are sourced from places that conduct quality control and bitumen tests.
  • Source, Transparency and Sustainability: When buying asphalt cement, choose products that offer supply chain transparency. This means they will know where the bitumen was sourced from and all the processes it went through. Furthermore, select asphalt cements that support sustainable practices, such as those that include RAP or RAS.
  • Packaging: The way the asphalt cement is packaged matters. Check to see that the packaging is clean and easy to understand so that customers won't have any trouble comprehending the product's features and benefits. Also, inspecting the bags and barrels for leaks or damage before delivery is critical.
  • Price, availability, and delivery: Most retailers opt for the cheapest option that is still good enough for the customer. The price will be driven down if the delivery costs are low, so try to find suppliers who can deliver the product at a reasonable shipping cost. Also, select suppliers who have a good stock so that there is always availability.
  • Cold vs Hot Mix: Asphalt cement comes in both hot and cold varieties. While the former is used for road construction and maintenance in high-temperature areas, the latter sets quickly and can be used right away.

OthersAsphalt cement has a strong binding quality that makes it ideal as an adhesive for different materials. More than that, it is water, air, and soil resistant. Bitumen asphalt cement performs well even under high traffic, which is why it is preferred for road construction. Because of its rheological behavior (it reacts like a solid when pressure is applied and like a liquid when heat is applied), it can be used to make asphalt rubber by reacting with sulfur, making it even more resistant to aging and cracks. Used mainly to bind aggregates in road construction, bitumen asphalt cement also provides a sound, smooth, and safe surface for roads. Keywords like 'asphalt cement vs bitumen' could be used to drive more traffic.

Q&A

Q: Is bitumen cement the same as asphalt?

A: Yes. Bitumen is the binder in asphalt concrete. In some countries (e.g., the U.S.), the final road material is referred to as asphalt, while in other countries (e.g., the U.K.), it is referred to as bitumen.

Q: What is the relationship between bitumen and cement?

A: Bitumen is a binding material used in road construction and asphalt cement is a road-building material made by blending bitumen with fine aggregates. Asphalt cement may be referred to as bitumen cement.

Q: Does bitumen harden?

A: Yes. Bitumen will harden over time when stored in cold conditions or when exposed to air and sunlight. This is one of the reasons why it is essential to keep the bitumen container airtight when storing it.

Q: Does bitumen melt?

A: Yes. Bitumen will melt when it reaches temperatures between 100°C and 150°C. It is heated to this temperature during the mixing phase when it is combined with aggregates to form asphalt for paving roads.

Q: How long can bitumen be stored?

A: When stored in hot conditions in a specially manufactured bitumen tank, bitumen can be stored for many years. However, it will eventually begin to oxidize and harden, especially if stored in the tank for more than a year.