Due to the fact that bitumen is an important raw material in various industries, familiarity with its secondary products seems necessary. In this article, Mahan Zone intends to introduce you to a wide range of products made from bitumen.
It should be noted that it is possible to supply bitumen as a raw material through Mahan zone. You only need to contact us through the communication channels available on the site so that we can provide you with the samples you are looking for.
Bitumen secondary products refer to various materials and derivatives derived from bitumen, used across multiple industries for their adhesive, waterproofing, and sealing properties. Common examples include:
1. Modified Bitumen Products
- Polymer-modified Bitumen (PMB): Enhanced with polymers to improve elasticity and durability. Used in road construction and roofing.
- Emulsified Bitumen: A mix of bitumen, water, and emulsifying agents for cold applications. Common in road surfacing.
2. Bitumen-based Roofing Materials
- Bituminous Felt: Used for waterproofing in construction.
- Bituminous Shingles: Popular for roofing due to their durability and weather resistance.
3. Sealants and Adhesives
- Bituminous Tape: For sealing joints and cracks in roofs and pipelines.
- Bituminous Sealants: Used for waterproofing and joining various materials.
4. Industrial Products
- Bitumen Paint: Provides protective coatings against corrosion and weathering.
- Bitumen Mastic: A thick paste used for waterproofing and filling cracks in surfaces.
5. Insulation and Damp-proofing
- Bitumen Membranes: Flexible sheets for waterproofing and insulation in construction projects.
Applications:
- Construction: Waterproofing, roofing, and crack filling.
- Roadworks: Asphalt and surface treatments.
- Industrial: Corrosion resistance and protective coatings.
1. Modified Bitumen Products
These products enhance bitumen’s natural properties, making it more versatile for diverse conditions.
a. Polymer-Modified Bitumen (PMB)
- Description: Bitumen mixed with polymers (e.g., SBS, APP) to improve elasticity, tensile strength, and temperature resistance.
- Applications:
- Road construction in extreme climates (cold or hot).
- Flexible pavements and airport runways.
- Advantages:
- Higher durability and reduced maintenance costs.
- Superior resistance to rutting and cracking.
b. Emulsified Bitumen
- Description: Bitumen dispersed in water with emulsifying agents, enabling cold applications.
- Applications:
- Surface dressing for roads.
- Slurry seals and patch repairs.
- Advantages:
- Safer to handle and eco-friendly compared to hot-mix asphalt.
- Quick application and curing.
2. Roofing Materials
Bitumen’s water-resistant properties make it ideal for roofing solutions.
a. Bituminous Felt
- Description: A fabric base (fiberglass or polyester) impregnated with bitumen.
- Applications:
- Underlayment for pitched or flat roofs.
- Temporary waterproofing during construction.
- Advantages:
- Cost-effective and easy to install.
- Provides insulation and water resistance.
b. Bituminous Shingles
- Description: Pre-cut sheets of bitumen reinforced with fiberglass or organic materials.
- Applications:
- Residential and commercial roofing.
- Decorative roofs due to variety in colors and textures.
- Advantages:
- Lightweight, durable, and aesthetically pleasing.
- Excellent UV and weather resistance.
3. Sealants and Adhesives
These are bitumen-derived products used for bonding and sealing.
a. Bituminous Tape
- Description: A self-adhesive strip made of bitumen with a protective film.
- Applications:
- Sealing cracks in roofs, pipelines, and underground cables.
- Repairing leaks in tanks and gutters.
- Advantages:
- Easy application and immediate effectiveness.
- Durable against moisture and heat.
b. Bituminous Sealants
- Description: Paste-like products that harden to seal joints or cracks.
- Applications:
- Expansion joints in concrete structures.
- Waterproofing underground tanks and tunnels.
- Advantages:
- Highly flexible and weather-resistant.
- Provides long-term protection against leaks.
4. Industrial Products
Bitumen is used as a protective agent in industrial settings.
a. Bitumen Paint
- Description: A liquid bitumen product applied as a protective coating.
- Applications:
- Anti-corrosion coatings for metal structures and pipelines.
- Waterproofing for masonry and concrete.
- Advantages:
- Resistant to chemicals and weathering.
- Quick-drying and cost-effective.
b. Bitumen Mastic
- Description: A thick bituminous paste mixed with fillers for high-strength applications.
- Applications:
- Filling cracks in concrete and asphalt surfaces.
- Waterproofing for basements and bridges.
- Advantages:
- Excellent adhesion and flexibility.
- Durable in heavy-duty applications.
5. Insulation and Damp-proofing
Bitumen membranes are among the most common materials for waterproofing.
a. Bitumen Membranes
- Description: Flexible sheets reinforced with polyester or fiberglass.
- Applications:
- Waterproofing roofs, basements, and tunnels.
- Lining for reservoirs and canals.
- Advantages:
- Long lifespan and resistance to punctures.
- Effective barrier against moisture and chemicals.
b. Damp-proof Courses (DPCs)
- Description: Bitumen-impregnated sheets placed between layers of brickwork.
- Applications:
- Prevent rising damp in building foundations.
- Advantages:
- Economical and reliable moisture barrier.
Customizing Bitumen Solutions
Different industries may require tailored formulations of bitumen secondary products, incorporating additives for:
- Enhanced UV resistance.
- Increased fire retardancy.
Improved flexibility and bonding. Technical Specifications, Manufacturing Processes, and Application Guides
Let’s break down bitumen secondary products into technical, manufacturing, and application aspects. If there’s a specific product you’re most interested in, let me know!
1. Polymer-Modified Bitumen (PMB)
Technical Specifications
- Penetration Grade: Typically 40/60, indicating consistency.
- Softening Point: >60°C (varies based on polymer type).
- Elastic Recovery: At least 50% (indicative of elasticity).
- Viscosity: Adjusted for application via polymer concentration.
Manufacturing Process
- Raw Material Preparation:
- Bitumen base (80-90%).
- Polymers (SBS for elasticity, APP for temperature resistance).
- Stabilizers and additives to improve compatibility.
- Blending:
- Bitumen is heated to ~180-200°C.
- Polymers are added and mixed at high shear to disperse evenly.
- The mixture is homogenized and cooled to desired specifications.
Application Guide
- Roadworks:
- Ensure the surface is clean and dry.
- Spray a tack coat of emulsified bitumen for adhesion.
- Lay the PMB mix and compact immediately.
2. Bitumen Membranes
Technical Specifications
- Thickness: 2mm to 5mm (depending on application).
- Reinforcement: Polyester or fiberglass fabric for added strength.
- Heat Resistance: Up to 120°C.
- Tensile Strength: 500-900 N/50mm for high durability.
Manufacturing Process
- Base Preparation:
- Polyester or fiberglass fabric is coated with bitumen mixed with APP or SBS polymers.
- Surface Treatment:
- The membrane is laminated with sand, polyethylene film, or mineral granules for weatherproofing.
- Roll Formation:
- Sheets are cut to size and rolled for ease of transport and application.
Application Guide
- Clean the surface of dust and debris.
- Apply a primer to improve adhesion.
- Heat the membrane’s underside with a torch and unroll it over the surface.
- Overlap seams by at least 10cm and ensure proper adhesion by pressing firmly.
3. Bitumen Mastic
Technical Specifications
- Consistency: Thick paste that retains flexibility.
- Composition:
- Bitumen (50-60%).
- Fillers like limestone powder or asbestos (40-50%).
- Plasticizers for workability.
- Adhesion Strength: >1 N/mm².
Manufacturing Process
- Bitumen Heating:
- Heat bitumen to ~150-200°C.
- Filler Addition:
- Mix in fillers and plasticizers to achieve desired consistency.
- Packaging:
- Store in barrels or buckets for transport.
Application Guide
- Heat the mastic slightly to ensure smooth application.
- Spread using a trowel over cracks or joints.
- Allow 24-48 hours for curing before exposure to heavy loads.
4. Bituminous Paint
Technical Specifications
- Viscosity: Low for brush or spray application.
- Drying Time: 2-4 hours at 25°C.
- Film Thickness: ~40-60 microns per coat.
- Chemical Resistance: High resistance to acids and salts.
Manufacturing Process
- Base Preparation:
- Dissolve bitumen in a solvent (e.g., white spirit).
- Additives:
- Include drying agents for quick curing.
- Mixing and Packaging:
- Homogenize and store in airtight containers.
Application Guide
- Clean and dry the surface.
- Apply with a brush, roller, or spray in thin layers.
- Allow proper drying between coats (if applying multiple layers).
5. Bituminous Sealants and Tapes
Technical Specifications
- Elongation at Break: >500% (ensures flexibility).
- Waterproofing: 100% impermeable.
- Adhesion: Excellent to metal, concrete, and wood.
Manufacturing Process
- Sealants: Mix bitumen with polymers and fillers; package in tubes.
- Tapes: Coat flexible strips of plastic or aluminum with adhesive bitumen layers.
Application Guide
- Clean the joint or crack thoroughly.
- For tapes: Peel the backing and press firmly.
- For sealants: Apply directly from the tube, smoothing with a spatula for an even finish.
