Oxidized bitumen commonly known as blown bitumen, is a form of bitumen that has been modified through a controlled air-blowing process. Bitumen is a naturally occurring black, sticky, and very viscous material produced during the refining of crude oil. It has a wide range of industrial applications, most notably in the building and infrastructure industries.
Oxidized bitumen is a customized bitumen with improved properties for certain purposes. In this article, we aim to share oxidized bitumen applications. But before coming to the target topic, we will share more detailed information about blown bitumen.
Properties of Oxidized Bitumen
At high temperatures, the air is pushed through the bitumen during oxidation. This controlled oxidation introduces oxygen into the molecular structure of the bitumen, causing many changes in its properties:
Hardened: Oxidized bitumen becomes harder and less susceptible to temperature-related deformation. For this reason, it is suitable for use in places subject to high temperatures or heavy traffic loads.
Improved anti-aging: Compared to conventional asphalt, oxidized asphalt is more resistant to the effects of aging, such as cracking and brittleness.
Softening point: Since oxidized bitumen has a higher softening point, it is more stable at high temperatures. This characteristic is essential for applications such as roofing, where the material must be resistant to sunlight and heat.
Reduce heat sensitivity: Since oxidized bitumen is less sensitive to temperature fluctuations, it is less likely to flow or deform under different climatic conditions.
Use of Oxidized Bitumen in Different Industries
Because of its superior qualities over ordinary bitumen, oxidized bitumen has several uses in a variety of industries. Here is a more in-depth look at how oxidized bitumen is utilized in many industries:
Waterproofing and roofing: Oxidized bitumen is a key component in the production of roofing materials such as shingles and roofing membranes. It is ideally adapted to handle weather stress, temperature changes, and UV exposure because of its improved hardness and greater softening point. Lastly, It is used to make waterproof membranes for construction applications that keep water out of buildings and structures.
Construction of roads and sidewalks: Oxidized bitumen used in road construction is not limited to highways but also airport runways. It is ideal for generating long-lasting asphalt mixes because of its enhanced hardness and aging resistance. Moreover, it increases asphalt surface performance by enhancing its resistance to rutting and deformation under heavy traffic loads and high temperatures.
Paints and coatings for industry: Oxidized bitumen is utilized as a corrosion and environmental protection layer in paints and industrial coatings. Its high viscosity and durability provide good adhesion to a variety of surfaces, protecting metal structures and equipment for a long time.
Soundproofing and vibration reduction: Oxidized bitumen is used to isolate sound and vibration in a variety of applications due to its unique qualities. It aids in the reduction of vibration and noise levels in industrial settings, building sites, and transportation infrastructure.
Corrosion resistance: Oxidized bitumen is used as a coating material in industrial contexts to protect metals against corrosion, such as pipelines, tanks, and other equipment. Its long-term corrosion prevention is aided by its resilience and resistance to the elements.
Construction and building sealants: Oxidized bitumen is used in the construction sector to provide sealants for joints, gaps, and seams in various buildings. Its qualities provide dependable sealing and add to the overall integrity of the building envelope.
Sports and recreation surfaces: Tennis courts, running tracks, and playgrounds are among the places where oxidized bitumen is used. Its improved qualities help extend the life and performance of these surfaces, particularly in high-traffic areas.
Adhesives and sealants: Blown bitumen is used in the production of a variety of items, including ceramic tiles, insulation, and automotive components, as a binder.
Emulsion of asphalt: Oxidized bitumen may be used to make asphalt emulsions, which are used for road maintenance, adhesive coatings, and other purposes.
Compounds for cable splicing: the other application that bitumen can be used is cabling compounds to provide insulation and protection for electrical cable connections.
Durable wooden floors: The oxidized bitumen used in the production of resilient flooring provides resilience and abrasion resistance.
Summary
Oxidized bitumen, also known as blown bitumen, is modified with an air-blowing process. In this process, naturally occurring black, viscous, and sticky material is produced. There are extraction and production processes that differ from facility to facility. In this article, we mentioned the properties of blown bitumen as well as its use. Bitumen can be used in businesses such as road construction, roofing, the paint and coating industry, soundproofing, corrosion resistance, and adhesives.
FAQ
What are the industrial uses of bitumen?
Blown bitumen is mostly used in paving construction, adhesives, roofing, soundproofing, sports and recreation surfaces, construction sealants, and many other industries.
What is the oxidation of bitumen?
Oxidized bitumen and the oxidation of bitumen are two different terms. Oxidation of bitumen refers to a sequence of reactions such as dehydrogenation, polymerization, and condensation.
Is oxidized bitumen sustainable?
The sustainability of blown bitumen depends on several factors. We can list these factors as: production process, recycling, durability, environmental impacts, etc. If bitumen used in many different industries is produced according to the factors mentioned above, then we can say that oxidized bitumen is sustainable.