What is oxidized bitumen?
Oxidized bitumen, sometimes known as blown bitumen, is a form of bitumen that has undergone a particular oxidation process. Consider it as a sponge soaking up water: when you oxidize it, it dries up, becoming denser and more stable. This change improves its qualities, making it a valuable resource in a variety of fields. Its versatility and strength have made it popular in roofing, insulation, and building applications.
How is oxidized bitumen produced?
It is produced by heating ordinary bitumen to high temperatures and then blowing air through it. This process is analogous to blowing up a balloon; more air equals greater expansion and strength. By injecting air into the bitumen, the chemical structure changes, resulting in a more durable product. You can vary the temperature and time of this process to produce various grades of blown asphalt, each suitable for a specific application.
Why use oxidized bitumen?
You may be wondering, “Why should I care about it?” Well, this material has some amazing benefits:
Durability: Engineered to withstand the weather, oxidized bitumen is perfect for outdoor applications like roofing.
Waterproofing: Just as a raincoat keeps you dry, oxidized bitumen forms a strong moisture barrier, protecting structures from water damage.
Heat Resistance: Its ability to withstand high temperatures without degrading makes it an excellent choice for building in hotter areas.
These features not only assure endurance, but they also cut long-term maintenance expenses, which can benefit both homes and businesses.
Grades of Oxidized Bitumen
There are several grades of oxidized bitumen available, each designed for a unique application. People often use the softening point and penetration level to establish the grade. Let’s look at these grades in detail:
1. Oxidized Bitumen, 85/25
Softening Point: 85°C.
Penetration Value: 25 dmm
Roofing applications commonly utilize this grade due to its softer nature and required flexibility. It’s perfect for places that must withstand temperature variations without cracking.
2. Oxidized bitumen, 95/25
Softening Point: 95°C.
Penetration Value: 25 dmm
This variety, which is slightly tougher than the 85/25 grade, provides more durability and is often used for waterproofing membranes and roofing felt. Its balanced qualities make it suitable for a variety of construction applications.
3. Oxidized Bitumen (100/40)
Softening Point: 100°C.
Penetration Value: 40 dmm
This is one of the toughest grades, making it ideal for places with harsh conditions. Its high softening point makes it suitable for hot areas and heavy-duty applications, such as industrial roofing.
4. Bitumen 85/40 – Softening Point: 85°C
Penetration Value: 40 dmm
This grade, similar to the 85/25 grade but with a higher penetration value, strikes a reasonable compromise between flexibility and durability, making it suited for applications requiring some resistance to deformation under heat.
5. bitumen 95/40.
Softening Point: 95°C.
Penetration Value: 40 dmm
The durability of this grade makes it ideal for use in areas with frequent temperature swings. It is commonly utilized in specialty roofing systems.
6. Bitumen, 115/15
Softening Point: 115°C.
Penetration Value: 15 dmm
This grade is one of the hardest and is best suited for applications that demand strong thermal stability. People commonly use it in extremely hot temperatures or in regions where the surface experiences tremendous stress.
7. Bitumen (75/50)
Softening Point: 75°C.
Penetration Value: 50 dmm
Various roofing applications often employ this softer alternative. Its higher penetration value indicates better flexibility, making it ideal for places with frequent temperature variations.
8.Bitumen (130/10)
Softening Point: 130°C.
Penetration: 10 dmm
This grade has extraordinary toughness and is ideal for high-demand industrial applications. We specifically design it for settings with significant mechanical stress.
Understanding these grades enables you to choose the appropriate oxidized bitumen for your project, resulting in optimal performance and lifetime.
Applications for Oxidized Bitumen
Blown asphalt is employed in a range of applications, demonstrating its versatility. Here are a few notable applications:
Roofing Materials: Its waterproofing capabilities make it perfect for roofing membranes, which protect homes and structures from rain and snow.
Pavements and Roads: It is frequently combined with aggregates to make strong road surfaces that can withstand heavy traffic.
Insulation Products: Insulation boards include oxidized bitumen, which ensures that buildings stay energy efficient.
Sealants and Adhesives: Because of its adhesive properties, it is widely used in construction and manufacturing to bond materials together.
Each use demonstrates the distinct advantages that oxidized bitumen brings to the table, making it a preferred material in building and engineering.
Oxidized Bitumen Versus Traditional Bitumen
There are some significant differences between blown asphalt and regular bitumen.
Composition: Traditional bitumen is viscous, whereas oxidized oil has undergone an oxidation process that changes its chemical structure.
Oxidized bitumen has higher thermal stability and weather resilience, making it an excellent choice for a variety of applications.
Uses: Although both varieties are employed in construction, oxidized bitumen is chosen for applications that require greater durability and water resistance.
In essence, if traditional bitumen is the fundamental tool in your arsenal, oxidized petroleum is the high-tech gadget that completes the task faster and more efficiently.
Properties of oxidized bitumen
Understanding the characteristics reveals why it is so valuable:
Elasticity: It retains its elasticity, allowing it to expand and shrink as temperatures vary.
Adhesion: It attaches effectively to a variety of surfaces, making it useful in construction.
Impermeability: The ability to withstand water penetration protects structures against moisture harm.
Because of these features, it is more than just a material; it is a solution to a wide range of construction issues.
Environmental Effects of Blown Asphalt
Environmental considerations are more important now than ever. So what is the environmental impact of blown asphalt? Here are some things to consider:
Recyclability:It is recyclable, which reduces waste and promotes sustainability.
Low Emission: The production method has evolved over time to reduce hazardous emissions, making it a more ecologically friendly option.
Durability: Because of its longevity, fewer resources are required for repairs and replacements, which is beneficial to the environment.
While it is critical to use materials responsibly, blown asphalt stands out as an option that can support eco-friendly practices.
Storage and Handling of Blown Asphalt
The proper storage
Temperature Control: To avoid degradation, keep it in a cool, dry area.
Tightly seal containers to prevent moisture and air contamination.
Avoid direct sunlight: Exposure to sunlight might degrade its characteristics; therefore, keep it in shady settings.
By following these rules, you may extend the life of oxidized bitumen and guarantee it operates well.
Safety precautions
When working with oxidized bitumen, safety must always come first. Here are some necessary precautions:
Protective Gear: To avoid skin contact and fume inhalation, always wear gloves, goggles, and protective clothes.
Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation in the workspace to dissipate any fumes.
Emergency Preparedness: Keep a first-aid kit on hand and be familiar with emergency protocols in the event of an accident.
Taking these precautions ensures a smooth and safe working environment when working with oxidized bitumen.