Oxidized bitumen is a type of bitumen used mainly in industrial fields. This product is created by a special method. However, there are some questions like, “What is oxidized bitumen?” and “What are the benefits of it?”

What is oxidized bitumen?

Oxidized-Bitumen (known as Blown Bitumen, Blown Asphalt, or Bitumen 115/15) is created by exposing penetration-grade bitumen to high-temperature air during the oxidation process. This treatment increases this type of bitumen’s hardness, viscosity, and rubbery properties while improving its resistance to temperature fluctuations by reducing volatile components.

The level of oxidation can be adjusted to produce bitumen with varying characteristics, such as a higher softening point, lower penetration, and improved resistance to weathering and oxidation. This type of bitumen is a vital material in industrial chemistry, valued for its durability, water resistance, and chemical stability.

Oxidized bitumen’s strong adhesive qualities and resistance to water, heat, and UV radiation make it ideal for use in harsh environments. With enhanced strength and adhesive properties, it is extensively used in construction and infrastructure projects, including roofing, insulation, and road construction. Its superior performance ensures long-lasting reliability in various applications.

Properties of oxidized bitumen

Oxidized bitumen is classified by its softening point and penetration grade. For example, 85/40 bitumen has a softening point of 85±5 °C and a penetration grade of 40±5 dmm.

This bitumen meets standards for solubility and heat-induced weight loss. Compared to penetration-grade bitumen, oxidize bitumen has a much higher softening point, making it more sensitive to temperature changes. Its penetration index is also significantly higher, typically ranging from +2 to +8.

The formula of oxidized bitumen

Aspect	Details
Names	Blown Bitumen, Hard Bitumen, Bitumen 115/15
Chemical Formula	CnH2n+2 (Hydrocarbon structure with robust carbon-hydrogen chains)
Key Properties	Enhanced strength, adhesive properties, water resistance, and durability
HS Code	27132000 (Global trade classification for customs and tariffs)
CAS Number	64742-93-4 (Unique identifier for scientific and industrial reference)

Oxidized bitumen grades

The degree of oxidation affects the physical properties of this type of bitumen, and different grades are available to meet specific requirements. Here are some common forms of oxidized bitumen grades:

Extra hard grade

Similar to the hard grade but with even higher oxidation levels, making it ideal for extreme weather conditions.

Hard grade

This grade has the highest degree of oxidation, making it suitable for industrial applications requiring durability and resistance to weathering.

Medium grade

With a lower degree of oxidation, this grade is often used for waterproofing applications, such as roof and foundation sealing.

Soft grade

The lowest degree of oxidation is used primarily for paving applications, such as road and runway surfacing.

Oxidized bitumen grades are ideal for sealing saw cuts and joints with minimal movement, and their wide temperature range prevents bleeding in high-temperature applications. There are several grades of this type of bitumen, each designed for specific uses.

Common grades include (other grades produced upon request):

• Oxidized-Bitumen 75/30
• Oxidized-Bitumen 95/25
• Oxidized-Bitumen 85/25
• Oxidized-Bitumen 90/40
• Oxidized-Bitumen 90/15
• Oxidized-Bitumen 105/35
• Oxidized-Bitumen 115/15
• Oxidized-Bitumen 150/5

These grades are widely used in industries such as waterproofing, tire manufacturing, pipe coating, and paint production. The properties of each grade can vary based on the manufacturer and specific application, so it’s important to consult with a supplier to choose the best grade for your needs.

How to make oxidized bitumen?

The production of oxidized-bitumen follows a series of clear steps to ensure high quality:

Heating

The bitumen is first heated to a temperature between 265-270°C to make it suitable for oxidation.

Air Injection

Air is then injected into the heated bitumen in blowing towers to start the oxidation process.

Oxidation

The bitumen undergoes oxidation as the temperature is maintained between 215-290°C, with the ideal range being 265-270°C.

Cooling

After oxidation, the bitumen is cooled with water to lower the temperature.

Storage and Packing

Once the bitumen reaches a temperature of 150-160°C, it is transferred to storage and packed into 220-liter drums or 35-kg cartons for distribution.

The process may vary slightly, with continuous or batch methods used, and catalysts sometimes introduced to speed up the oxidation. The controlled steps ensure the oxidized bitumen meets the required specifications for various industrial uses.

There are several methods used to produce oxidized-bitumen:

Method	Temperature Range	Hardness	Cost
Air Blowing	240-260°C	Hard	Moderate
Vacuum Degassing	Heated under vacuum	Harder & Stable	Low
Chemical Oxidation	Ambient Temperature	Softer	Low
Catalytic Oxidation	Heated with catalyst	High Quality, Expensive	High

Oxidized bitumen production plant

The production of oxidized-bitumen involves heating bitumen to 230°C-270°C, aerating it in blowing towers for oxidation and cooling it with water before packaging.

An integrated system for producing both oxidized-bitumen and viscosity-reduced residual oil includes components like an oxidizing reaction tower, cooling fractionating tower, and centrifugal pump. This system reduces costs, improves product flexibility, conserves heat, and enhances energy efficiency.

Oxidized bitumen uses

Oxidized-bitumen has a wide range of applications, including road construction, hydropower projects, roofing, flooring, mastics, the oil and gas industry, and electrical applications. Oxidized bitumen uses:

1. Construction & Piling: Anti-slip layer.
2. Roofing & Waterproofing: Roofing felts and sealants.
3. Automotive: Undercarriage sealants and soundproofing.
4. Oil & Gas: Pipeline joint sealing.
5. Joint Sealing: For saw cuts and minimal movement.
6. Cable Protection: Sealing cable joints.
7. Bonding Bitumen: Roofing sheet membranes.
8. Hot Waterproofing: Waterproofing layers.
9. Carpet Tile Manufacturing: Key ingredient.
10. Liquid Coatings: Raw material for coatings.
11. Paint & Mastic: For bituminous paints and mastics.
12. Pipe Coatings: Rust protection.
13. Anti-slip Layer: Piling industry safety.
14. Sound-dampening: Roofing and soundproofing.
15. Undercarriage Sealant: In automobiles.
16. Cable Jointing: Sealing cable joints.

Benefits of Oxidized bitumen

Oxidized Bitumen (Oxidized Asphalt) is a substance that is highly useful in industries. This product has numerous beneficial uses which are listed below:

• Completely Water-Resistant: Provides excellent waterproofing properties.
• Highly Durable and Flexible: Offers long-lasting performance while maintaining flexibility.
• Chemically Stable: Resistant to chemical degradation, ensuring longevity.
• Suitable for High-Temperature Applications: Its high softening point makes it ideal for use in hot climates.
• Improved Durability: More resistant to weathering, making it suitable for outdoor applications.
• Increased Viscosity: Enhanced viscosity due to the oxidation process, ideal for roofing and sealing.
• Enhanced Waterproofing: Its higher viscosity improves waterproofing and sealing capabilities.
• Better Adhesion: Superior adhesion properties make it perfect for road construction and pavement maintenance.
• Reduced Rutting and Deformation: The increased stiffness reduces deformation in pavement applications.

Why Kiapetro?

Kiapetro is a dynamic company specializing in the manufacturing, procurement, distribution, and export of different grades of oxidized bitumen. Our company is focused on the oxidation of bitumen to meet the diverse needs of customers worldwide.

We offer competitive pricing and exceptional quality for oxidized-bitumen, providing cost-effective solutions without compromising product excellence. Our efficient and reliable delivery process ensures that your orders arrive on time.

Additionally, Kiapetro provides flexible payment options with multiple stages to meet the needs of our clients. Specializing in oxidized-bitumen for various applications, we offer a wide range of tailored solutions. All our products adhere to international standards, guaranteeing consistent performance and reliability.

FAQ

1. Is bitumen highly volatile?

No, it’s non-volatile

2. what is the lifetime of bitumen?

o 25 years

3. How long can bitumen be stored?

Three months or less