High-Performance Bitumen 10/20 – Built to Last | ATDM
ATDM is a trusted manufacturer and supplier of Bitumen 10/20, delivering one of the hardest and most durable penetration grades for road construction and industrial applications. This high-performance grade is specially designed for hot climates and heavy traffic areas where a strong and stable binder is essential.
Bitumen 10/20 stands out for its low penetration value, meaning it is harder and more resistant to deformation. Because of this property, it’s widely used in highways, airport runways, ports, and industrial pavements where load resistance is critical. Engineers prefer this grade when they need asphalt that can endure both extreme heat and continuous pressure without softening or rutting.
What Is Bitumen 10/20?
Bitumen 10/20 is a penetration-grade bitumen that falls under the “hard” category. Its penetration value ranges between 10 and 20 decimillimeters at 25°C. The lower this number, the harder the bitumen. It’s produced by refining crude oil and separating heavier fractions under vacuum distillation, followed by controlled air-blowing or oxidation.
This process gives Bitumen 10/20 its superior hardness, high softening point, and excellent resistance against deformation. These features make it a reliable choice for high-load asphalt pavements and regions where temperature often exceeds 50°C.
Technical Specifications of Bitumen 10/20
| Property | Typical Value | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Penetration @ 25°C | 10 – 20 dmm | ASTM D5 |
| Softening Point | 58 – 66 °C | ASTM D36 |
| Ductility @ 25°C | > 50 cm | ASTM D113 |
| Flash Point | > 250 °C | ASTM D92 |
| Loss on Heating | < 0.2 % | ASTM D6 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.01 – 1.05 | ASTM D70 |
These values indicate the strength and stability of this grade under high-stress conditions.
Key Features of Bitumen 10/20
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High Hardness: Ideal for hot climates and heavy traffic loads.
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Excellent Rutting Resistance: Prevents surface deformation on highways and runways.
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Strong Adhesion: Ensures tight bonding between aggregates and bitumen.
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Long Life Span: Reduces maintenance frequency and cost.
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Thermal Stability: Maintains structure even in extreme temperatures.
Because of these characteristics, Bitumen 10/20 is a preferred choice for industrial, military, and infrastructure projects that demand superior durability.
Applications of Bitumen 10/20
1. Highway Construction
Bitumen 10/20 is commonly used in base and binder courses for high-traffic motorways and expressways. Its stiffness gives strength to the pavement structure, ensuring minimal rutting and cracking over years of service.
2. Airport Runways
Airports require materials that can handle heavy aircraft loads and high surface temperatures. The hardness of Bitumen 10/20 prevents depressions and deformations on runways, keeping the surface smooth and safe.
3. Industrial Flooring & Ports
It’s also used in port zones, container terminals, and factory yards where heavy trucks and cranes operate continuously. The material remains stable under high pressure and mechanical stress.
4. Bitumen Modification
Due to its hardness and purity, it’s used as a base for polymer-modified bitumen (PMB) and bituminous emulsions. These derivatives are popular for advanced paving technologies and waterproofing materials.
Advantages of Bitumen 10/20
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Low Penetration | Higher hardness and load resistance |
| High Softening Point | Withstands hot climates and UV exposure |
| Controlled Viscosity | Easy to mix and compact with aggregates |
| Strong Cohesion | Prevents stripping and aggregate loss |
| Long-Term Stability | Extends pavement life and lowers cost |
With these benefits, Bitumen 10/20 is not just a construction material — it’s a performance enhancer for every type of asphalt project.
Packaging and Supply Options
ATDM offers Bitumen 10/20 in various safe and export-ready packaging types to meet client requirements:
| Packaging Type | Weight / Capacity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| New Steel Drums | 180 – 200 kg | Export-quality, palletized, leak-proof |
| Kraft or Poly Bags | 25 – 50 kg | Ideal for small-scale projects |
| Jumbo Bags | 1 MT | Bulk packaging for cost-efficient shipment |
| Bulk Tanker or Bitutainer | – | For large-scale projects and direct loading |
All products come with COA (Certificate of Analysis), MSDS, and international standard compliance certificates (ASTM / EN).
Storage and Safety Guidelines
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Always store drums upright in shaded, dry areas.
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Avoid stacking more than three drums high to prevent deformation.
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Heat gently before use (maximum 160°C).
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Use personal protective gear during handling.
Following these safety measures ensures product stability and worker protection.
Environmental Aspects
ATDM ensures eco-friendly production by minimizing emissions and using advanced refinery technology. Bitumen 10/20 is recyclable and can be reused in Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) without losing key performance properties. This sustainable approach supports global green construction goals.
Why Choose ATDM as Your Bitumen 10/20 Supplier
ATDM is one of the leading exporters of penetration-grade bitumen from the Middle East, with refineries and supply hubs in Iran and the UAE. Our production facilities follow ASTM and EN standards, ensuring precise control over penetration, viscosity, and softening point.
Clients choose ATDM because of:
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Consistent product quality
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Fast global delivery
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Flexible packaging
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Competitive pricing
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Professional export documentation
No matter the project scale, ATDM guarantees performance, reliability, and long-term partnership.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What does Bitumen 10/20 mean?
The numbers “10/20” indicate the penetration range of the bitumen. It means that under standard testing, a needle penetrates 10 to 20 tenths of a millimeter into the sample at 25°C. Lower numbers mean harder bitumen.
2. Where should Bitumen 10/20 be used?
It’s used in hot climates and heavy-load areas such as highways, airports, ports, and industrial zones. Its high hardness makes it perfect for regions exposed to strong sunlight and pressure.
3. How is Bitumen 10/20 different from Bitumen 60/70 or 80/100?
Bitumen 10/20 is harder than both 60/70 and 80/100. It has a higher softening point, making it more suitable for tropical and desert regions, while softer grades work better in cold or moderate climates.
Conclusion
ATDM, as a leading Bitumen 10/20 manufacturer and supplier, provides one of the most durable binders for high-load, high-temperature projects worldwide. With strict quality control, reliable packaging, and on-time delivery, ATDM ensures that every client receives premium bitumen ready for demanding construction needs.
If your project needs strength, durability, and long-term performance — Bitumen 10/20 from ATDM is the perfect choice.