Bitumen 80/100 manufacturer and exporter

Bitumen Grade 80/100 is a soft penetration-grade petroleum bitumen used mainly as a binder in asphalt mixtures, waterproofing systems, and sealing applications. It matters because its balanced softness and workability deliver reliable performance in moderate to cool climates where flexibility, adhesion, and ease of compaction matter most. Road contractors, asphalt producers, and infrastructure engineers choose this grade when they need stable pavement performance without excessive stiffness.

What Is Bitumen Grade 80/100?

Bitumen Grade 80/100 is a dark brown to black hydrocarbon material produced during crude oil refining. Refineries obtain it from the vacuum residue after lighter fractions separate. This grade falls within the penetration range of 80–100 dmm, which means it stays softer than harder grades such as Bitumen 60/70.

Because of this softness, the material spreads easily, coats aggregates well, and resists cracking in cooler temperatures. Many markets also refer to it as asphalt 80/100, especially in road construction specifications.

Why Penetration Grade Matters

Penetration grading classifies bitumen by measuring how deep a standard needle penetrates the material under controlled conditions. The test runs at 25°C, under 100 g load, for 5 seconds, following ASTM and EN standards.

• Lower penetration number → harder bitumen

  Toggle

• Higher penetration number → softer bitumen

With a penetration of 80–100, this grade delivers flexibility and ease of handling without becoming overly soft under normal service conditions.

Key Physical and Performance Properties

Bitumen Grade 80/100 offers a combination of adhesion, flexibility, and viscosity that suits many infrastructure projects.

Typical Properties (Industry Range)

These values comply with ASTM D946, EN 12591, and similar international standards when produced under controlled refining conditions.

Thermoplastic Behavior Explained

Bitumen Grade 80/100 behaves like a thermoplastic material:

• It softens when heated, which allows easy mixing and compaction

• It hardens when cooled, creating a durable and stable pavement layer

This reversible behavior makes it practical for hot mix asphalt plants, surface dressing, and industrial waterproofing systems.

Manufacturing Process Overview

Refineries produce Bitumen Grade 80/100 through controlled vacuum distillation:

1. Crude oil heats and separates into lighter fractions

2. The remaining heavy residue enters a vacuum distillation unit

3. Refiners adjust temperature and air exposure to reach the target penetration range

4. The final product undergoes laboratory testing before release

Each batch typically passes tests for penetration, softening point, viscosity, and flash point to ensure consistency.

Main Applications of Bitumen Grade 80/100

This grade serves a wide range of civil and industrial uses.

Road Construction and Asphalt Mixing

Contractors widely use it in:

• Hot mix asphalt for base and wearing courses

• Urban roads with moderate traffic

• Secondary highways

• Car parks and service roads

Its flexibility helps reduce cracking in regions with temperature variation.

Waterproofing and Roofing

The material also works well in:

• Waterproof membranes

• Roofing felt production

• Damp-proofing layers

• Bridge deck protection

Its strong adhesion prevents water penetration and improves surface durability.

Joint Sealing and Industrial Uses

Engineers apply Bitumen 80/100 in:

• Expansion joint fillers

• Pipe coating systems

• Industrial floor sealing

• Protective coatings for concrete and steel

Handling, Storage, and Transportation

Proper handling protects both material quality and worker safety.

Storage Guidelines

• Store in heated tanks to maintain flow

• Keep temperature between 140–160°C during handling

• Avoid prolonged overheating to prevent aging

Transportation Options

Suppliers ship Bitumen Grade 80/100 in several formats:

• Bulk tankers

• Steel drums (new or reconditioned)

• Jumbo bags with liners

During transport, consistent temperature control prevents hardening and contamination.

Quality Control and Standards Compliance

Reputable suppliers test each production batch before shipment. Independent inspectors often verify:

• Penetration value

• Softening point

• Flash point

• Solubility

Material commonly complies with ASTM D946, EN 12591, and relevant AASHTO requirements depending on the destination market. ATDMCO arranges third-party inspection and batch test certification to ensure shipment consistency and specification compliance.

Bitumen 80/100 vs Bitumen 60/70: Practical Comparison

Choosing the right grade depends on climate, traffic, and design requirements.

Engineers often select 80/100 for flexibility and crack resistance, while 60/70 suits high-temperature and heavy-load environments.

Common Misunderstanding: “80/100 Is Not a Percentage”

Many buyers misunderstand the grade designation.

80/100 does not mean 80% or 100%.
It strictly refers to the penetration range measured in deci-millimeters. The number indicates softness, not composition ratio or quality level.

Understanding this prevents specification errors during procurement and project planning.

Real-World Buyer Considerations

Before purchasing, engineers and procurement teams usually ask:

• Is the grade suitable for local climate conditions?

• Does it meet ASTM or EN standards required by the project?

• Can the supplier provide batch test reports and inspection certificates?

• What packaging and delivery options reduce handling risks?

A reliable manufacturer or exporter answers these questions clearly and supports projects beyond simple supply. ATDMCO supplies Bitumen Grade 80/100 with controlled specifications, export-ready packaging, and documentation suited for international infrastructure projects.