Bitumen is a sticky, black, and highly viscous liquid or semi-solid form of petroleum. It may be found in natural deposits or may be a refined product, and is classed as a pitch. The primary use (70%) of asphalt is in road construction, where it is used as the glue or binder mixed with aggregates particles to create asphalt concrete. Its other main uses are for bituminous waterproofing products, including production of roofing felt and for sealing flat roofs.
Bitumen grades are available:
Bitumen Grade 60/70
Bitumen Grade 80/100
Bitumen Grade 85/100
Bitumen Grade 30/40
Bitumen Grade 40/50
Bitumen Grade 85/25
Bitumen Grade 90/15
Bitumen Grade 115/05
Bitumen MC-250
NBP Special Grade
Penetration Grade Bitumen Specification (AASHTO M 20 and ASTM D 946)
| Units | 40/50 | 60/70 | 80/100 | 100/120 | Test Methods | |
| Specific Gravity @25°C | - | 1.01-1.06 | 1.01-1.06 | 1.01-1.05 | 1.01-1.04 | ASTM D-70 |
| Penetration @25°C, 100gm, 5sec | 0.1MM | 40-50 | 60-70 | 80-100 | 100-120 | ASTM D-5 |
| Softening Point, Ring & Ball | °C | 52-60 | 49-56 | 45-52 | 42-49 | ASTM D-36 |
| Ductility @25°C, after TFOT, Min | CM | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | ASTM D-113 |
| Loss on Heating, Max | %Wt | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.5 | 0.5 | ASTM D-6 |
| Drop in Penetration after Heating, Max | % | 20.0 | 20.0 | 20.0 | 20.0 | ASTM D-6 & D-5 |
| Flash Point Cleveland open cup, Min | °C | 250.0 | 250.0 | 232.0 | 250.0 | ASTM D-92 |
| Solubility in CS2, Min | %Wt | 99.5 | 99.5 | 99.5 | 99.5 | ASTM D-4 |
| Organic Matter Insoluble in CS2, Max | %Wt | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 | ASTM D-4 |
| Sport Test | - | Negative | Negative | Negative | Negative | *A.A.S.H.O.T.102 |
