Bitumen VG 40 Description
Bitumen VG 40 is a type of bitumen that is commonly used in road construction and maintenance. It is a highly viscous material that is derived from crude oil. Viscosity Grade 40 Bitumen has a higher viscosity than VG-30 bitumen, which makes it more suitable for use in areas with high traffic volume and heavy vehicles.
With its viscosity range carefully calibrated to provide optimal performance, VGB 40 exhibits a viscosity of 4000 to 6000 centipoise (cP) at a temperature of 60°C (140°F). This viscosity range indicates its resistance to flow at higher temperatures. When exposed to heat, VGB 40 maintains its consistency, effectively adhering to aggregates and forming a durable binding matrix in asphalt mixtures.
Application of Bitumen VG 40
- Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA): One of the primary uses of VGB 40 is in the production of hot mix asphalt. It serves as a binder that holds the aggregates together in the asphalt mixture. The higher viscosity of VGB 40 makes it suitable for use in areas where higher temperature resistance is required, such as in warm climates or for heavy traffic loads.
- Road Construction: VGB 40 is often used for road construction, particularly in areas with high traffic volumes and where the pavement is subjected to significant stresses. It helps create durable and long-lasting road surfaces that can withstand heavy traffic loads and adverse weather conditions.
- Pavement Rehabilitation: In road maintenance and rehabilitation projects, VGB 40 can be used to rejuvenate or modify existing asphalt surfaces, extending the life of the pavement.
- Airport Runways and Taxiways: Airports require strong and durable pavements to handle aircraft loads. VGB 40 can be used in the construction and maintenance of airport runways and taxiways, where the pavement needs to withstand heavy aircraft traffic and temperature variations.
- Bridge Decks: The higher viscosity and temperature resistance of VGB 40 can make it suitable for use in bridge deck overlays, helping protect and extend the life of the bridge structures.
- Roofing and Waterproofing: Bitumen-based products, including those made from VGB 40, are used in roofing and waterproofing applications to provide a protective layer against water penetration.
- Emulsions and Coatings: Bitumen emulsions made with VGB 40 can be used for various surface treatments, such as chip seals, prime coats, and tack coats.
- Industrial Applications: Bitumen is also used in various industrial applications, including the manufacture of various products like paints, coatings, adhesives, and corrosion protection materials.
Properties of Viscosity Grade Bitumen 40
- Viscosity: Viscosity Grade Bitumen 40 has a specified viscosity range at 60°C (140°F) in the range of 4000 to 6000 centipoise (cP). This range indicates its resistance to flow at high temperatures. VGB 40 has a higher viscosity compared to lower viscosity grades like VGB 20.
- Penetration: The penetration value of VGB 40 at 25°C (77°F) is typically around 40 to 60 decimillimeters (dmm). The penetration value gives an idea of the hardness of the bitumen at a specific temperature, with lower values indicating harder bitumen.
- Softening Point: The softening point of VGB 40 is generally around 50 to 60°C (122 to 140°F). This temperature represents the point at which the bitumen becomes soft enough to allow a standard needle to penetrate it under specific conditions.
- Ductility: VGB 40 usually has a ductility value of around 100 cm at 25°C (77°F), similar to VGB 20. Ductility measures the ability of bitumen to stretch without breaking, indicating its flexibility.
- Flash Point: The flash point of VGB 40 is approximately 250°C (482°F) or higher. This temperature is the minimum at which bitumen vapors can ignite when exposed to an open flame.
- Solubility: VGB 40 is soluble in a range of solvents, which is important for various applications where bitumen is used.
- Compatibility: Just like other viscosity grades, VGB 40 is designed to be compatible with common aggregates and other materials used in asphalt mixtures.
- Paving Applications: VGB 40 is commonly used in hot mix asphalt (HMA) for road construction and other pavement applications where a bitumen with higher viscosity is needed.
- Climate Suitability: The choice of bitumen grade, including VGB 40, can be influenced by the climate conditions of the region where it will be used. VGB 40 is suitable for regions with higher temperature variations compared to lower viscosity grades.
Packing of Bitumen VG 40
- 180kg New Steel Drum: Loading 110 Drum in 20 ft
- 375Kg Bitubag: Loading 24 MT in 20 ft Container
- Bulk in vessel: Loading 2000 to 20,000 MT in Bitumen Carrier
- Bulk in Flexi Bag: Loading 20 MT in Bitumen Felexi Bag
- Bulk in Tunker: Loading 25 MT in Truk Tanker
Specification of VG 40
| Specification | Unit | Value | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Absolute Viscosity, at 60 ◦C | Poise | Min 3200 | ASTM D4402 |
| Kinematic Viscosity, at 135 ◦C | CST | Min 400 | ASTM D2170 |
| Flash Point | ◦C | Min 220 | ASTM D2170 |
| Solubility in Trichloroethylene | %WT | Min 99 | ASTM D2170 |
| Penetration Value, at 25 ◦C | 0.1mm | 40-60 | ASTM D5 |
| Softening Point | ◦C | Min 25 | ASTM D36 |
| Viscosity Ratio, at 60 ◦C | ◦C | Max 4 | ASTM D4402 |
| Ductility at 25 ◦C, after thin film oven test | Cm | Min 25 | ASTM D113 |
