Oxidized Bitumen – Blown Asphalt 85/40

Oxidized Bitumen 85/40 is an oxidized or blown grade of bitumen manufactured by passing air through penetration-grade bitumen under carefully controlled conditions. This production process increases the softening point while reducing penetration, resulting in a harder and more durable material suitable for demanding industrial and construction applications.

Thanks to its excellent thermal stability, strong adhesion, and resistance to moisture, Bitumen 85/40 is widely used in waterproofing systems, roofing materials, expansion joints, corrosion protection, and various industrial sealing applications. It performs reliably in environments where ordinary paving bitumen may soften or lose its mechanical properties.

What is Oxidized Bitumen 85/40?

Bitumen 85/40 is classified according to two important physical characteristics:

• Softening Point: Approximately 85°C
• Penetration Value: Around 40 dmm (0.1 mm)

The higher softening point allows the material to maintain its shape even under elevated temperatures, while the lower penetration value indicates a harder consistency compared to conventional paving grades.

The oxidation process modifies the molecular structure of bitumen, improving its resistance to deformation, aging, oxidation, and environmental exposure.

Manufacturing Process

The production of Oxidized Bitumen 85/40 begins with carefully selected petroleum bitumen. During manufacturing, hot air is injected through the bitumen inside specialized oxidation reactors. Temperature, airflow, and processing time are continuously controlled to achieve the required specifications.

This process provides several important improvements:

• Increased softening point
• Reduced penetration
• Improved weather resistance
• Enhanced durability
• Better chemical stability
• Longer service life

Strict quality control ensures every production batch meets international technical requirements.

Technical Characteristics

Although values may vary slightly depending on production methods, Bitumen 85/40 generally exhibits the following properties:

These characteristics make the material suitable for applications requiring long-term mechanical stability and reliable waterproofing performance.

Main Applications of Oxidized Bitumen 85/40

Bitumen 85/40 is used across numerous industries because of its excellent balance between hardness and flexibility.

Waterproofing Systems

One of the most common applications is waterproofing. The material creates a continuous moisture barrier that protects structures from water penetration.

Typical waterproofing projects include:

• Building foundations
• Concrete structures
• Underground facilities
• Basements
• Water reservoirs
• Retaining walls

Its resistance to water helps extend the service life of construction projects.

Roofing Industry

Bitumen 85/40 is widely used in roofing systems due to its ability to withstand prolonged exposure to sunlight and changing weather conditions.

It can be utilized in:

• Roofing membranes
• Roofing felts
• Built-up roofing systems
• Roof repair compounds
• Flashing materials

Its higher softening point minimizes flow or deformation during hot summer temperatures.

Pipe Coating

Steel pipelines require effective corrosion protection throughout their operational life.

Bitumen 85/40 serves as a protective coating for:

• Oil pipelines
• Gas pipelines
• Water transmission lines
• Underground piping systems
• Industrial pipelines

The material provides a durable barrier against moisture, soil chemicals, and environmental corrosion.

Expansion Joint Filling

Concrete structures expand and contract because of temperature changes.

Oxidized Bitumen 85/40 is commonly used as a component in expansion joint systems for:

• Bridges
• Highways
• Industrial floors
• Parking structures
• Concrete pavements

Its sealing performance helps prevent water infiltration and structural damage.

Industrial Sealants

Many industrial sealants incorporate Bitumen 85/40 because of its excellent adhesive properties and resistance to aging.

Applications include:

• Protective mastics
• Joint sealants
• Industrial coatings
• Damp-proof compounds
• Insulating materials

Advantages of Bitumen 85/40

The growing popularity of Bitumen 85/40 is due to several performance advantages.

High Temperature Resistance

The elevated softening point enables the material to retain its integrity under hot weather conditions without excessive flow.

Excellent Waterproofing

Bitumen naturally repels water, making Oxidized Bitumen 85/40 highly effective in waterproofing systems exposed to continuous moisture.

Strong Adhesion

The material bonds effectively to concrete, steel, masonry, and many construction substrates, reducing the risk of delamination.

Long Service Life

Properly installed Bitumen 85/40 can provide many years of reliable performance with minimal maintenance.

Chemical Resistance

The material demonstrates good resistance to many chemicals, salts, and environmental contaminants commonly encountered in industrial settings.

Weather Durability

Bitumen 85/40 withstands prolonged exposure to:

• Rain
• Humidity
• Wind
• UV radiation
• Temperature fluctuations

These characteristics make it suitable for outdoor applications.

Storage Recommendations

Proper storage is essential for maintaining product quality.

Recommended storage practices include:

• Store in dry, covered areas.
• Keep away from direct sunlight when possible.
• Prevent contamination with water and dirt.
• Avoid excessive heating during storage.
• Rotate stock according to first-in, first-out principles.

If supplied in blocks, they should be stacked carefully to avoid packaging damage.

Handling and Safety

Although Bitumen 85/40 is stable under normal conditions, proper safety procedures should always be followed during handling.

General recommendations include:

• Wear protective gloves.
• Use eye protection.
• Wear suitable work clothing.
• Avoid prolonged skin contact.
• Ensure adequate ventilation during heating.
• Prevent overheating beyond recommended temperatures.

Hot bitumen can cause severe burns, so trained personnel should always handle heated material.

Packaging Options

Bitumen 85/40 is available in several packaging formats to meet different transportation and project requirements.

Common packaging includes:

• Kraft paper bags
• Meltable plastic bags
• Steel drums
• Cartons
• Jumbo bags
• Bulk supply for large industrial users

The appropriate packaging depends on project size, transportation method, and storage conditions.

Transportation

Because Oxidized Bitumen 85/40 is a solid oxidized bitumen, transportation is generally straightforward.

During transport:

• Packages should remain intact.
• Moisture exposure should be avoided.
• Excessive mechanical impact should be minimized.
• Proper stacking methods should be followed.

International shipments are commonly performed using containers suitable for the selected packaging type.

Choosing Bitumen 85/40

Selecting the appropriate bitumen grade depends on operating temperature, project requirements, expected mechanical loads, and environmental conditions.

Bitumen 85/40 is often selected when a project requires:

• Higher softening point
• Greater hardness
• Reliable waterproofing
• Long-term durability
• Strong adhesion
• Consistent industrial performance

Engineers and contractors frequently choose this grade for projects where dimensional stability and resistance to heat are essential.

Conclusion

Bitumen 85/40 is a high-performance oxidized bitumen designed for demanding waterproofing and industrial applications. Its combination of a relatively high softening point and controlled penetration provides excellent resistance to heat, moisture, weathering, and aging. These characteristics make it suitable for roofing systems, pipe coatings, expansion joints, waterproofing membranes, industrial sealants, and corrosion protection.

With proper handling, storage, and application, Oxidized Bitumen 85/40 delivers reliable long-term performance in a wide range of construction and industrial environments. Its durability, strong adhesion, excellent waterproofing capability, and resistance to environmental conditions continue to make it a preferred material wherever dependable protection and extended service life are required.