Premium Bitumen 85/100 – Reliable Road Power by ATDM
ATDM is a trusted global supplier of Bitumen 85/100, offering premium-grade asphalt binders used in road construction, waterproofing, and industrial applications. This grade is softer than 60/70 and 80/100, making it perfect for regions that experience cold or moderate weather. Engineers, contractors, and asphalt producers choose this penetration grade because it combines flexibility, durability, and consistent performance in diverse projects.
Bitumen 85/100 is produced from vacuum residue of crude oil during refinery distillation. The controlled air-blowing process ensures its penetration range falls between 85 and 100 decimillimeters at 25 °C. This property defines how hard or soft the bitumen is — the higher the penetration, the softer the bitumen. As a result, Bitumen 85/100 provides an excellent balance between elasticity and cohesion, ensuring smooth paving performance even in cooler conditions.
Why Choose Bitumen 85/100?
Bitumen 85/100 is valued for its adaptability and smooth handling. It offers:
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Excellent flexibility at low temperatures, reducing the risk of cracking.
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Uniform viscosity for easy mixing and compaction with aggregates.
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Reliable adhesion that binds materials together for long-lasting pavements.
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Stable chemical structure, ensuring resistance to oxidation and aging.
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High durability in environments where temperature fluctuations are common.
When compared to harder grades like 60/70, this bitumen offers smoother workability and better resistance against thermal cracking, especially in high-altitude or colder regions.
Bitumen 85/100 Technical Properties
| Property | Typical Value | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Penetration @ 25 °C | 85 – 100 dmm | ASTM D5 |
| Softening Point | 45 – 52 °C | ASTM D36 |
| Ductility @ 25 °C | > 100 cm | ASTM D113 |
| Flash Point (COC) | > 250 °C | ASTM D92 |
| Loss on Heating | < 0.2 % | ASTM D6 |
| Specific Gravity @ 25 °C | 1.01 – 1.05 | ASTM D70 |
These values show the stability and performance consistency required for modern construction.
Applications of Bitumen 85/100
This grade has a wide range of industrial and infrastructural applications.
It’s mainly used in asphalt pavements for:
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Base and surface layers of medium-traffic roads
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Rural and city roads in moderate climates
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Highway overlays and maintenance works
Its smooth flow and binding power ensure a dense, durable surface with reduced deformation.
Because Bitumen 85/100 is less brittle at low temperatures, it performs perfectly in:
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Roofing membranes
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Damp-proof coatings
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Foundation and basement waterproofing
3. Industrial Use
It serves as a raw material for various modified products such as:
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Emulsions
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Cutback bitumen
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Bitumen paints and primers
This versatility makes it one of the most economical and practical choices for large-scale projects.
Advantages of Using Bitumen 85/100
When selecting a penetration grade bitumen, contractors focus on climate and load conditions. For cold and moderate regions, Bitumen 85/100 has clear advantages:
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Flexibility in Cold Weather: It maintains elasticity even below freezing, preventing cracks.
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Ease of Handling: Melts easily at standard mixing temperatures and provides smooth coating on aggregates.
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Strong Adhesion: Bonds aggregates firmly to create a durable surface layer.
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Economic Efficiency: Longer service life means lower maintenance and resurfacing costs.
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Consistency in Quality: ATDM ensures strict quality control for every batch shipped globally.
Packaging and Supply
ATDM supplies Bitumen 85/100 from its refineries in bulk and various packaging options to match project needs:
| Packaging Type | Net Weight | Details |
|---|---|---|
| New Steel Drums | 180 – 200 kg | Standard export drums, leak-proof, palletized |
| Kraft or Poly Bags | 25 – 50 kg | Easy handling for small applications |
| Jumbo Bags | 1 MT | Ideal for bulk export with minimal waste |
| Bulk Cargo | – | Delivered via bitutainers or tanker vessels |
Our products are available with international export documentation, COA, and MSDS, ensuring safety and compliance during transportation.
Storage and Handling Tips
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Store drums upright under shade to prevent leakage or deformation.
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Avoid direct exposure to sunlight for extended periods.
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Always heat gradually using indirect heating methods.
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Use safety gloves and masks during application to avoid contact.
Following these steps maintains product quality and worker safety.
Environmental and Performance Benefits
ATDM’s Bitumen 85/100 complies with environmental safety standards. Its high flash point reduces fire risk during application, while its low volatility limits emissions. Because of its stable composition, it can be safely recycled into reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP), making it an eco-friendly solution for sustainable road construction.
Why ATDM Is the Preferred Supplier
As a globally recognized bitumen manufacturer and exporter, ATDM guarantees reliable supply, consistent quality, and competitive pricing. With years of experience, we deliver customized solutions for road contractors, government projects, and industrial clients. Whether you need bulk or packaged deliveries, ATDM ensures fast shipment and continuous availability from our production hubs in Iran and the UAE.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is Bitumen 85/100 used for?
It’s primarily used in road construction, asphalt production, waterproofing membranes, and industrial coatings. Its softer nature makes it ideal for regions where temperature variations are moderate to cold.
2. How is Bitumen 85/100 different from Bitumen 60/70?
Bitumen 85/100 is softer, meaning it has higher penetration and better flexibility. This helps prevent cracks in cold weather, while 60/70 is harder and better for hot climates with heavy traffic loads.
3. What temperature should Bitumen 85/100 be heated to during mixing?
For asphalt production, heating between 150 °C – 165 °C is recommended. Always ensure gradual heating to preserve the material’s structure and prevent oxidation.
Conclusion
ATDM, as a leading Bitumen 85/100 supplier, provides premium-quality material that ensures strength, durability, and cost efficiency in every project. Its perfect balance of penetration and viscosity makes it suitable for roads, waterproofing systems, and industrial applications in moderate and cold regions. With strict quality control, reliable packaging, and on-time global delivery, ATDM continues to be the trusted partner for road builders and industries worldwide.