The most commonly used bitumen for road construction are being named as penetration grade bitumen, which are named based on their level of hardness and consistency and each one is suitable for a unique environmental condition. Known also as PEN (Paving Grade Bitumen) are specified by the penetration and softening point test. The penetration grade bitumen has a thermoplastic property which causes the material to soften at high temperatures and to harden at lower temperatures. This unique temperature/viscosity relationship is essential when determining the performance parameters such as the adhesion, rheology, durability and application temperatures of bitumen and are classified based on the depth into which a certain laboratory needle penetrates them, which leads to a range of grades from 30-120.

As mentioned above the Penetration grade bitumen range is between 30-120, however the most common grades are 40/50, 60/70, 80/100(85/100) which among these 85/100 is the softest and 40/50 is the hardest one.

• Bitumen Grade 30/40
  • Application: Hard grade, mostly used in tropical areas.
  • Packing: New Steel drums of 180 (+/-2kg), 150 (+/-2 kg)/200 (+/-2 kg), Jambo bags, Poly cube, poly bags, Bulk

• Bitumen Grade 40/50
  • Application: manufacturing hot mix asphalt for bases and wearing courses, mostly used in tropical areas.
  • Packing: New Steel drums of 180 (+/-2kg), 150 (+/-2 kg)/200 (+/-2 kg), Jambo bags, Poly cube, poly bags, Bulk

• Bitumen Grade 60/70
  • Application: suitable for mild areas, highly recommended in a temperate climate, mainly used for pavement of roads suitable for commercial traffic.
  • Packing: New Steel drums of 180 (+/-2kg), 150 (+/-2 kg)/200 (+/-2 kg), Jambo bags, Poly cube, poly bags, Bulk

• Bitumen Grade 80/100
  • Application: semi-soft grade of bitumen, appropriate for cold regions
  • Packing: New Steel drums of 180 (+/-2kg), 150 (+/-2 kg)/200 (+/-2 kg), Jambo bags, Poly cube, poly bags, Bulk

Although there are other grades of penetration bitumen, above mentioned grades are the most important ones in bitumen industry, however we are proud to announce that our expert team is capable of supplying all penetration grades at your request; therefore, please feel free to contact us for any specific PEN grade.

The penetration grade bitumen is widely used for Manufacturing of bitumen emulsions, polymer modified binders and cutback bitumen. It is also used as a tack coat during surface dressing and for the manufacture of hot mix asphalt.