Cutback Bitumen
Cutback Bitumen is a specialized form of bitumen that is blended with a solvent, reducing its viscosity and making it easier to work with at ambient temperatures. This type of bitumen is particularly useful in situations where the application requires a lower temperature for efficient bonding, such as in prime coating, tack coating, and surface dressing. Once applied, the solvent evaporates, leaving behind a solid bitumen layer that offers durability and resilience.
Among the many grades of cutback bitumen, MC 30, MC 70, and MC 250 are the most used in road construction and maintenance projects. These grades are defined based on the rate of curing (medium-curing, or MC), which influences their performance and suitability for specific applications.
Grades of Cutback Bitumen
MC 30 Cutback Bitumen
MC 30 is a medium-curing cutback bitumen with a viscosity range of 30-60 cSt (centistokes). It is commonly used as a prime coat in road construction, providing an excellent base for binding asphalt layers. The penetration depth of MC 30 into granular bases ensures strong adhesion and promotes longer-lasting pavements.
- Applications: Prime coats, tack coats, surface treatment for roads.
- Viscosity: 30-60 cSt
- Penetration (dmm): 80-120
- Benefits: Excellent penetration, suitable for tack and prime coats, low curing time.
MC 70 Cutback Bitumen
- Applications: Tack coats, surface dressing, patching work.
- Viscosity: 70-140 cSt
- Penetration (dmm): 60-100
- Benefits: Enhanced durability, strong bonding, optimal for surface treatments.
MC 250 Cutback Bitumen
MC 250 is the heaviest of the three grades, with a viscosity range of 250-500 cSt. It is used in more demanding road construction projects where slower curing is required. MC 250 is often applied for surface dressing and cold-mix asphalt applications, providing a longer working time and stronger results.
- Applications: Cold-mix asphalt, surface dressing, base stabilization.
- Viscosity: 250-500 cSt
- Penetration (dmm):40-80
- Benefits: Long working time, excellent for large-scale projects, slower curing.
Bitumen Packing Methods
Steel Drums
Steel drums are one of the most common packing methods for cutback bitumen. Each drum contains approximately 200 liters of product, making it ideal for transportation and storage. Steel drums protect the bitumen from contamination and external damage during transit.
- Capacity: 200 liters per drum
- Advantages: Safe transport, durable protection, suitable for long-term storage.
For large-scale projects requiring significant quantities of cutback bitumen, we offer bulk containers. These containers are equipped for easy loading, unloading, and transportation to the construction site. They are perfect for projects with high bitumen consumption.
- Capacity: Custom bulk volumes .
- Advantages: Cost-effective, high-volume supply, easy handling on-site.
Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC) provide a flexible solution for medium-sized projects. These tanks offer a capacity of approximately 1000 liters and are ideal for applications where large drums are not practical but bulk supply is needed.
- Capacity: 1000 liters per tank .
- Advantages: Flexible use, reusable tanks, convenient for medium-sized projects.
For smaller, more localized projects, we provide small-scale packaging options, including 20-liter or 50-liter containers. These containers are easy to handle and perfect for minor road repairs or patching work.
- Capacity: 20-50 liters per container.
- Advantages: Easy handling, suitable for smaller tasks, portable.
Essential Details of Cutback Bitumen Grades
| Grade | Viscosity (cSt) | Penetration (dmm) | Applications | Curing Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MC 30 | 30-60 | 80-120 | Prime coats, tack coats | Medium |
| MC 70 | 70-140 | 60-100 | Surface dressing, tack coats | Medium |
| MC 250 | 250-500 | 40-80 | Cold-mix asphalt, surface dressing | Slow |
Quality Standards of Cutback Bitumen
- Specifications for cutback asphalt used in road construction.
- American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials' standards for cutback bitumen.
- Our cutback bitumen meets the local regulatory standards for infrastructure projects.
| Parameter | MC 30 | MC 70 | MC 250 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viscosity at 60°C (cSt) | 30-60 | 70-140 | 250-500 |
| Flash Point (°C) | Min. 37°C | Min. 37°C | Min. 65°C |
| Solubility in Trichloroethylene (%) | 99% | 99% | 99% |
| Water Content (%) | Max. 0.2% | Max. 0.2% | Max. 0.2% |
| Distillation Test (Residue by volume %) | Min. 50% | Min. 50% | Min. 55% |
Specification Sheet of Cutback Bitumen Grades
The specification sheet provides detailed technical data for each of the Cutback Bitumen grades we offer.
These specifications highlight the technical properties of each bitumen grade, ensuring compliance with project requirements and performance expectations.