Bitumen 160/220
Properties, Uses & Applications
Bitumen 160/220 is a soft penetration-grade binder produced through vacuum distillation and air-blowing. With a penetration value of 160–220, it offers flexibility and adhesion, making it ideal for temperate climates where extreme temperatures are rare.
Key Features
- Strong adhesion – Bonds well with aggregates
- Low permeability – Resists water damage
- Moderate flexibility – Performs well in mild weather
Primary Applications
- Road Construction (asphalt binder for pavements)
- Waterproofing (roofing, insulation, coatings)
- Industrial Use (pipe coatings, adhesives, bitumen emulsions)
Best Suited For
- Temperate regions (moderate summers & winters)
- Roads with medium traffic loads
Available In: Steel drums, bulk shipments, jumbo bags, Bitutainers
(Leading Manufacturer: SEBCO)
Road construction using Bitumen 160/220 ensuring flexibility and durability
Why Choose Bitumen 160/220?
- Balanced softness for easier application
- Reliable performance in stable climates
- Versatile for roads and waterproofing
Usage & Weather Suitability
What is Bitumen 160/220?
Bitumen 160/220 is a soft penetration-grade asphalt binder produced through vacuum distillation and air-blowing. Its penetration value (160–220) indicates a softer consistency compared to harder grades like 60/70 or 80/100, making it more flexible and workable.
Bitumen 160/220
| Test title | Explanations | Standard Range | Test Method | |
| min | max | |||
| Penetration | at 25°C,(100 g,5 sec),mm/10 | 160 | 220 | EN 1426 |
| Softening Point | °C | 35 | 43 | EN 1427 |
| Flash Point | (Cleveland Open Cup),°C | 220 | ** | EN ISO 2592 |
| Solubility | in trichloroethylene , % | 99 | ** | EN 12592 |
| Kinematic Viscosity | at 135°c , mm2/s | 135 | ** | EN 12595 |
| Resistance to Hardening at 163°C | ||||
| Retained Penetration | % | 37 | ** | EN 12607-1 |
| Increase in Softening Point | °C | ** | 11 | |
| Change of Mass | % | ** | 1.0 | |
Bitumen 160/220
Properties, Uses & Applications
Primary Applications & Uses
1. Road Construction & Asphalt Pavements
- Used as a binding agent in asphalt mixes for roads.
- Suitable for low-to-medium traffic roads (local streets, rural roads).
- Provides good flexibility, reducing cracking in moderate climates.
2. Waterproofing & Industrial Coatings
- Used in roofing membranes, damp-proofing, and pipe coatings.
- Acts as a sealant for construction joints and foundations.
3. Bitumen Emulsions & Modified Binders
- Processed into cutback bitumen or emulsions for spray applications.
- Sometimes blended with polymers for enhanced performance.
Best Weather Conditions
- Ideal for Temperate Climates (moderate temperatures, no extreme heat/cold)
Performs well in regions with:
- Summer temps: Up to ~40°C (softening point prevents excessive melting).
- Winter temps: Above ~-10°C (remains flexible without becoming brittle).
- Not Recommended for:
- Hot desert climates (risk of rutting at high temps).
- Very cold regions (can harden and crack in freezing conditions).
Why Choose Bitumen 160/220?
- Easier to work with (softer than hard grades).
- Cost-effective for mild-weather applications.
- Good adhesion & waterproofing properties.
(Common Packaging: Drums, bulk shipments, jumbo bags)
Waterproofing application of Bitumen 160/220 on building surfaces