Oxidized Bitumen 90/15
Oxidized Bitumen 90/15 is a modified type of regular bitumen that is obtained by blowing hot air into bitumen in the last stage of its purification. This type of bitumen has relatively different properties from regular bitumen. To produce this type of bitumen, a type of hollow tube is used that blows air at a temperature of 200 to 300 degrees Celsius into the bitumen at a temperature between 230 and 270.
The entry of air at such a temperature into the bitumen leads to the formation of a bond between the oxygen in the air and the hydrogen in the bitumen structure, giving the bitumen a polymer state. Of course, this polymer property is created in the bitumen structure and should not be confused with polymer bitumen that is obtained by adding some polymers to regular bitumen.
This type of oxidized bitumen 90/15 is showing by R90/15, as well. The first number is the softening point of the bitumen in degrees Celsius, and the second number indicates the degree of penetration of the bitumen.
Oxidized Bitumen 90/15 Advantages
Using oxidized or blown bitumen 90/10 has several advantages over conventional petroleum bitumen or Gilsonite (mineral bitumen). This type of bitumen is actually a modified form of conventional bitumen that has advantages over it, the most important of which are:
Greater durability in harsh weather and environmental condition.
Higher viscosity and therefore better application in coating.
Better moisture insulation.
Higher softening point and therefore more application in hot weather.
Greater adhesion.
Applications of Blown Bitumen 90/15
Today, oxidized bitumen 90/15 has a wide range of applications due to its modified properties compared to regular bitumen, including:
Road construction:
Bitumen cannot be separated from the road construction industry at any cost, and oxidized bitumen is no exception to this rule. Oxidized bitumen is highly useful in asphalt production and repairing road and street cracks.
Oxidized Bitumen 90/15 for Insulation:
Blown bitumen is an ideal choice for moisture insulation of various spaces due to its higher viscosity than regular bitumen. This type of bitumen is used to insulate the roof space of a house, and to insulate water structures such as dams, water channels, and pools.
Stabilization of sand and soil:
Another application of blown bitumen is to prevent soil from being moved by the wind. Due to its high weight, bitumen prevents soil from being lifted by wind force.
Coating facilities against corrosion:
In many industries such as the oil and gas industry, bitumen is used to protect pipes from corrosion and rust.
Battery manufacturing:
One of the new applications of oxidized bitumen is in the production of lithium batteries. This material is widely used in this industry due to its strong dielectric properties and high thermal resistance.
