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What is Oxidized Bitumen
Oxidized bitumen, often referred to as blown bitumen is a specialized form of bitumen. It is created through a process that significantly alters the properties of the standard bitumen, making it more suitable for various industrial applications. This type of bitumen is distinguished by its increased resistance to water and temperature changes, playing a pivotal role in road construction and waterproofing solutions.
Bitumen oxidation process involves a controlled process where air is blown through standard bitumen at elevated temperatures. You can find the details of this process as follows:
Heating: Standard bitumen is first heated to a temperature typically between 230-260°C. This liquefies the bitumen, making it easier to process.
Air Blowing: In this crucial step, air is blown through the heated bitumen. This air injection triggers a chemical reaction, increasing the bitumen’s viscosity and softening point.
Temperature Control: Throughout this process, temperature control is vital. Too high a temperature can degrade the bitumen, while too low a temperature can result in an incomplete reaction.
Monitoring: Constant monitoring is required to ensure the desired properties (like penetration grade and softening point) are achieved.
Cooling and Settling: Once the desired characteristics are obtained, the oxidized bitumen is cooled and allowed to settle before being packaged for transport.
Oxidized bitumen is a renowned material in different industries. Even though the material has many different advantages, it has limitations as well. You can check the detailed list below to learn more about the pros and cons of oxidized bitumen:
Enhanced Durability: Oxidized bitumen’s increased viscosity and softening point contribute to its greater resistance to deformation under stress.
Water Resistance: Its water-resistant properties make it ideal for waterproofing applications, reducing the risk of water damage.
Temperature Stability: It remains stable across a range of temperatures, making it suitable for varying climatic conditions.
Adhesion Quality: Offers improved adhesion to aggregates, which is crucial in road construction.
Rigidity: The increased hardness can be a drawback in applications where flexibility is needed.
Temperature Sensitivity in Application: Requires careful handling during application due to its higher melting point.
Cost: The production process can be more costly than that of standard bitumen, impacting the overall project budget.
Oxidized bitumen plays a significant role in road construction, including:
Wearing Courses: Applied in the top layers of road surfaces, it provides a durable, hard-wearing finish capable of withstanding heavy traffic.
Waterproofing Layers: Acts as an excellent waterproofing agent, preventing water ingress into the road base.
Bridge Decks: Used in the construction of bridge decks for its ability to withstand environmental stressors and traffic load.
Joint Fillers: Often used in joint fillers and sealants due to its durability and resistance to water penetration.
Mastic Asphalt: A key component in mastic asphalt, which is used for heavy-duty road surfaces and in areas requiring high water resistance.
Proper handling and storage of oxidized bitumen are crucial to maintain its quality. It’s typically transported in specialized containers and requires careful temperature management to prevent it from hardening. During storage, it should be kept in a controlled environment to retain its properties. The packaging process also plays a vital role in ensuring the material’s integrity during transportation.
MONAMOR Co is a prominent supplier of oxidized bitumen, offering an extensive range of grades to cater to various industrial needs. With a diverse portfolio that includes 75/25, 85/25, 95/25, 90/40, and 115/15, we are committed to providing our clients with superior-quality products that meet their specific requirements.
Oxidized bitumen, a crucial component in the construction and infrastructure sectors, is renowned for its exceptional durability and resistance properties. As a reliable bitumen supplier, MONAMOR Co takes pride in delivering products that exceed industry standards. Our dedication to quality is evident not only in the grades we offer but also in our ability to customize bitumen solutions according to the precise specifications of our clients.
Our state-of-the-art production facilities enable us to produce a wide spectrum of oxidized bitumen grades, ensuring that we can fulfill the unique demands of various projects. Whether you’re embarking on road construction, roofing, or any other application that requires the superior attributes of oxidized bitumen, we have you covered.
At MONAMOR Co, we understand that each project is distinct, and our knowledgeable team is equipped to collaborate closely with clients to provide tailored solutions. Our commitment to innovation and excellence drives us to continually explore new avenues and develop advanced grades of oxidized bitumen that align with evolving industry trends and technological advancements.
When you choose MONAMOR Co as your bitumen supplier, you’re not just gaining access to high-quality products; you’re also benefiting from a partnership based on trust, expertise, and a shared vision of success. We take pride in being a reliable source of oxidized bitumen for a wide range of applications, and our track record speaks volumes about our dedication to delivering on our promises.
