Modified Bitumen 

Polymer Modified Bitumen

Polymer modified bitumen is the result of some modifications to the penetration grades.

In this procedure, they add polymer to the bitumen. The polymer can be either plastic or rubber.

These polymers change the strength and the viscoelastic properties of the bitumen due to its application purpose. In brief, each step of the modified bitumen production is as follows:

Elastic response increase

Increase in cohesive property

Increase in Fracture strength

Enhancing ductility of the substance

So, modified bitumen’s properties such as cohesive strength, adhesive property, elasticity

or viscosity will be modified according to its application type by the use of specific chemical agents. Additionally, modified bitumen is suitable for commercial roofs as a protective membrane. It is composed of multiple reinforcing layers for maximum leak prevention and less heat gain. Moreover, there are two types of this product available: APP and SBS.

What are the different types of bitumen?

As you may know, bitumen is one of those petrochemicals which has various types and grades. In the following, we shortly discuss them.

Cutback Bitumen:

Refineries produce this type by the addition of a volatile to reduce the thickness of the binder. These types have 3 different groups, which are SC, MC, and RC. Each of these groups has some other grades with different specifications. Cutbacks have a high demand in Kenya, Tanzania, and other countries in Africa.

 

Fluxed Bitumen:

Refineries produce fluxed bitumen by the addition of non-volatile oils to reduce the viscosity of the binder.

Asphalt:

Asphalt is a mixture of substances both light (sand and filler), heavy (stone), and a bituminous material. It generally contains approximately 4-7% of bitumen. Asphalt has a high rate of consumption in road constructions, highways, and airplane lands.

Bitumen Applications

All types of bitumen are essential for any type of pavement and construction, besides have a high demand throughout the world.

Besides, these petrochemicals are naturally occurring materials available in large quantities in the solid or semi-solid forms. As mentioned above, there is the possibility to mix bitumen with other chemicals to produce various grades and essential materials such as modified bitumen, emulsions, etc.

That’s why bitumen is critical in the industry, since it is suitable for airports, in the hydraulic field for the construction of water tanks, dams, bridges, battery making, tire making, the thermal and acoustic insulation purposes, and for making boats water-resistant.

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