Description
Bitumen 200/300 refers to a penetration grade of bitumen commonly used in road construction and industrial applications.
What 200/300 Means
The numbers 200–300 indicate the penetration value (measured in 1/10 mm) of a standard needle into the bitumen under specific conditions:
Higher penetration number = softer bitumen
Lower penetration number = harder bitumen
So Bitumen 200/300 is a soft grade.
Typical Characteristics (approx.)
Penetration: 200–300 (0.1 mm)
Softening point: ~35–45°C
Viscosity: Lower than harder grades (e.g., 60/70)
Color: Black or dark brown
Common Uses
Because it is soft and flexible, Bitumen 200/300 is usually used in:
Cold climates (where harder bitumen might crack)
Spray applications
Bitumen emulsions
Industrial uses such as waterproofing, insulation, or roofing felt
Manufacture of cutback bitumen
Comparison With Other Grades
| Grade | Hardness | Typical Climate |
|---|
| 40/50 | Hard | Hot climates |
| 60/70 | Medium-hard | Moderate climates |
| 80/100 | Medium | Moderate–cold |
| 200/300 | Soft | Cold climates |
Technical specifications for Bitumen 200/300 (penetration grade) based on commonly accepted industry standards (ASTM, AASHTO, and EN/BS where applicable). These values are used for quality control, procurement, and design of pavements, emulsions, and related products:
Standard Technical Specifications: Bitumen 200/300
Physical & Mechanical Properties
| Property | Test Method | Specification |
|---|
| Penetration @ 25 °C (100 g, 5 s) | ASTM D5 / EN 1426 | 200-300 (0.1 mm) |
| Softening Point (Ring & Ball) | ASTM D36 / EN 1427 | 33 – 45 °C |
| Ductility @ 25 °C | ASTM D113 / EN 13398 | ≥ 100 cm |
| Flash Point (COC) | ASTM D92 / BS EN ISO 2592 | ≥ 230 °C (min) |
| Solubility in Trichloroethylene | ASTM D2042 / EN 12592 | ≥ 99 % |
| Specific Gravity @ 25 °C | ASTM D70 / EN 15326 | ~1.00–1.06 |
| Loss on Heating (wt %) | ASTM D6 / EN 12607-1 | ≤ 0.2 – 0.8 % |
| Penetration Retention After Heating | ASTM D5 after TFOT | ≥ 37 % |
| Water Content | ASTM D95 | ≤ 0.05–0.2 % |
| Spot Test | AASHTO T102 or equivalent | Negative |
Penetration (ASTM D5 / EN 1426)
Indicates softness of bitumen.
200–300 means a softer grade, suitable for colder climates or applications requiring flexibility.
Softening Point (ASTM D36 / EN 1427)
Temperature at which bitumen softens enough to let a small steel ball fall a specified distance.
Higher values generally indicate better high-temperature performance.
Ductility (ASTM D113 / EN 13398)
Measures the ability to stretch without breaking useful for low-temperature cracking resistance.
Flash Point (ASTM D92)
Safety parameter for processing and transport — higher flash point means less risk of ignition.
Solubility
Ensures the bitumen is free from excessive non-bituminous materials; indicates purity.
Typical Test Methods Used
| Characteristic | Standard Test Method |
|---|
| Penetration | ASTM D5 / EN 1426 |
| Softening Point | ASTM D36 / EN 1427 |
| Ductility | ASTM D113 / EN 13398 |
| Flash Point | ASTM D92 / EN ISO 2592 |
| Solubility | ASTM D2042 / EN 12592 |
| Loss on Heating | ASTM D6 / EN 12607-1 |
| Specific Gravity | ASTM D70 / EN 15326 |
| Spot Test | AASHTO T102 / EN 12591 |
|
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