Oxidized Bitumen 115/15 | Bitumen Malaysia

Description of Oxidized Bitumen 115/15

Oxidized bitumen with the grade of 115/15 (also known as blown asphalt 115/15 and blown bitumen 115/15) is made from petroleum bitumen through the process of heating. Typically, bitumen 60/70 grade is blown by hot air at a temperature of 230°C, resulting in a material of a much higher penetration index. Physically, oxidized bitumen 115/15 is semi-solid and is categorized in the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons group.

This grade of oxidized bitumen is highly sought after as it has high flash point, high softening point, as well as high stability during melting. This properties of bitumen is suitable for many different purposes in the construction business. Oxidized bitumen 115/15 exhibits predominantly “solid” characteristics at ambient temperatures and provide superior adhesive and waterproofing qualities when heated.

See more: Bitumen air blowing process

Uses of oxidized bitumen 115/15

Oxidized bitumen 115/15 is used as raw material for bitumen coat, fuel, paints, lacquers, varnishes, paper-pulp-board, textile processing, road construction, crack seals and repairs, civil works, construction industries; pavement, sealing and insulating buildings, insulation and isolation bitumen membrane sheet, adhesive, construction materials additive, dust-binding, coating, insulating and impregnating agent, to manufacture rubber and plastic products.

Oxidized bitumen 115/15 products are for paving, roofing; also used in asphalt-based paints for corrosion protection of metals, in lining public works structures, adhesives in electrical laminates, the base for synthetic turf; typical uses for bitumen 115/15 include roofing, pipe coating, hydraulic applications. Most bitumen 115/15 used to produce “mopping-grade” roofing asphalts. The special usage of oxidized bitumen 115/15 is bitumen paint manufacturing and oil well drill fluids. Oxidized bitumen 115/15 is used in roofing manufacturing plants to produce shingles, roll goods, built-up roofing felts.

Application of oxidized bitumen 115/15

To apply this kind of bitumen to the surface of application, oxidized bitumen 115/15 should be heated to 230°C in order for them to have flow and viscosity. The number 230 comes from multiplying the softening point number by 2. Normally oxidized bitumen 115/15 is heated up while it is in bale. However, if it is inside of bitumen bag, we will require 50°C more to melt the bags as well. Before applying oxidized bitumen 115/15, the surface of application must be dry, clean and free of loose particles, curing products, irregularities, and slurries. If not, the bitumen will easily be removed from the surface.

Storage and handling of oxidized bitumen 115/15

Oxidized bitumen 115/15 is best up to 10 years from the day it was manufactured. It is common practice to keep the bitumen 115/15 under shelter and out of the rain and sun to increase its shelf life.

Packing of oxidized bitumen 115/15

Bitumen Malaysia can provide many types of packaging depending on our client’s needs. We have our oxidized bitumen 115/15 available in bulk, drums, meltable bags and Kraft bag. Oxidized bitumen 115/15 are generally shipped as a solid and heated in a kettle at the worksite.

Specification of oxidized bitumen 115/15

Bitumen 115/15	Test method	Unit	Specification
Specific gravity @25/25°C	ASTM D70	(kg/m³)	1.05 approx.
Penetration @25°C	ASTM D5	mm/10	10-20
Softening point	ASTM D36	°C	110-120
Ductility @25°C	ASTM D113	cm	1.5 min
Loss on heating	ASTM D6	Wt. %	0.2 max
Flashpoint	ASTM D92	°C	250 min
Solubility in CS2	ASTM D4	Wt. %	99.5 max
Spot test	AASHOT102	—	Negative