Penetration Grade Bitumen
Penetration Bitumen 60/70
A widely specified paving-grade bitumen with a balanced consistency for hot-mix asphalt, base and wearing courses, and general road construction.
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Penetration Grade Bitumen
Penetration Bitumen 40/50
A harder penetration-grade paving binder for asphalt systems that require greater stiffness and resistance to deformation at elevated pavement temperatures.
- Grade
- 40/50
- Specification Basis
- ASTM D946/D946M — penetration-graded asphalt binder
- Product Group
- Penetration Grade Bitumen
Technical Product Data
Product Information
Penetration Bitumen 40/50 is a hard paving-grade binder with a penetration range of 40–50 dmm at 25°C. Relative to 60/70 and 80/100, it provides higher stiffness and is typically selected where the pavement design calls for a harder binder.
Typical uses include heavy-duty asphalt mixtures, industrial paving and high-temperature service conditions, always subject to the road authority or project specification. The harder grade can improve resistance to permanent deformation but must be matched carefully to climate and low-temperature cracking requirements.
Applications
- Heavy-duty hot-mix asphalt where 40/50 is specified
- High-temperature pavement applications
- Industrial roads, loading areas and heavily trafficked asphalt layers
- Binder and wearing courses designed for a harder penetration grade
URMEX penetration-grade range: 40/50, 60/70 and 80/100. 40/50 is the hardest grade in the current range.
| Property | Test Method | Unit | Requirement | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Penetration at 25°C, 100 g, 5 s | ASTM D5 | dmm | 40–50 | Grade-defining property |
| Softening Point (Ring & Ball) | ASTM D36 | °C | Min. 49 | When the softening-point alternative in ASTM D946/D946M is specified |
| Flash Point, Cleveland Open Cup | ASTM D92 | °C | Min. 230 | |
| Ductility at 25°C, 5 cm/min | ASTM D113 | cm | Min. 100 | |
| Solubility | ASTM D2042 or D7553 | % mass | Min. 99.0 | |
| Retained Penetration after Thin-Film Oven aging | ASTM D1754/D1754M; D2872 by agreement | % | Min. 55 | Aging method to be agreed in the contract |
Specification limits are editable and should be aligned with the buyer’s purchase specification and the shipment Certificate of Analysis.
The technical table uses ASTM D946/D946M requirements for the 40–50 penetration grade. The purchaser should define the applicable ASTM table and aging requirements in the contract. Final acceptance is based on the batch-specific COA against that agreed specification.
Packaging & Supply
Available supply formats can include heated bulk, new steel drums and jumbo bags. Packaging selection depends on delivery route, unloading facilities and customer preference.
Handling & Storage
Store in dry systems suitable for hot bitumen. Avoid overheating and any contact between water and hot binder. Use thermal PPE and approved transfer procedures.
Buyer Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bitumen 40/50 harder than 60/70?
Yes. Its lower penetration range indicates a harder binder at 25°C.
Where is 40/50 bitumen used?
It is used in asphalt mixtures and heavy-duty pavement applications where the design specification requires a harder penetration-grade binder.
Which standard includes a 40–50 grade?
ASTM D946/D946M includes a 40–50 penetration grade for asphalt binder.
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