Oxidized Bitumen 85/40 – Specifications, Uses & Industrial Benefits

Explore Oxidized Bitumen 85/40 (Blown Asphalt 85/40, Oxidized Asphalt 85/40 or Bitumen 85/40) specifications and uses in coatings, roofing, waterproofing, and pipe protection. Full data, applications & properties.

🛢️ Oxidized Bitumen 85/40: Technical Data, Properties & Industrial Applications

Oxidized Bitumen 85/40—also known as Blown Asphalt 85/40—is a premium-grade, high-softening point bitumen engineered for industrial applications requiring thermal resistance, rigidity, and long-term performance. It is frequently used in bituminous coatings, roofing felts, pipe wrapping, and sealants where weathering resistance and dimensional stability are critical.

This blog provides a full technical breakdown of Blown Asphalt 85/40, including its performance data and best-use scenarios in construction, industrial, and waterproofing applications.

🔍 What is Oxidized Bitumen 85/40?

Oxidized Bitumen 85/40 is a semi-solid bituminous compound manufactured through the air-blowing process, in which hot bitumen is exposed to controlled air flow to increase the asphaltene content. This process results in a higher softening point and lower penetration value—ideal for hot-climate, high-load, or solvent-based applications.

With a softening point of ~85°C and penetration of ~40 dmm, 85/40 offers a unique combination of high temperature resistance and moderate flexibility, suitable for industrial-grade construction and insulation systems.

Applications of Bitumen 60/70, Blown Asphalt Production Process, Asphalt road surfaces,

⚙️ Technical Specifications of Oxidized Bitumen 85/40

PropertyTypical ValueTest Method
Softening Point (Ring & Ball)85 ± 5 °CASTM D36
Penetration @ 25°C35–45 dmmASTM D5
Flash Point (COC)> 250 °CASTM D92
Loss on Heating (wt.%)< 0.5%ASTM D6
Solubility in Trichloroethylene≥ 99%ASTM D2042
Specific Gravity @ 25°C~1.05ASTM D70
Ductility @ 25°C< 3 cmASTM D113
AppearanceGlossy black solidVisual Inspection

📊 Detailed Technical Explanation:

  • Softening Point (85°C): Enables the bitumen to resist deformation under extreme surface temperatures.

  • Penetration (35–45 dmm): Offers more flexibility than harder grades, which is useful for expansion and contraction stresses.

  • Flash Point (>250°C): Ensures safety during heating and application.

  • Ductility (<3 cm): Indicates moderate movement flexibility, useful in joint systems and flexible coatings.

  • Solubility (≥99%): Guarantees high purity for use in solvent-based coatings and mastic applications.

  • Low Volatile Content (<0.5%): Enhances long-term thermal stability.

Applications of Bitumen 60/70, Penetration Asphalt, Blown Asphalt Production Process, How to Produce Oxidized Bitumen? Industrial Bitumen Uses,

🏭 Industrial Applications of Oxidized Bitumen 85/40

🏗️ 1. Expansion Joint Fillers

Oxidized Bitumen 85/40’s combination of high softening point and moderate flexibility makes it ideal for bridge joints, road expansion joints, and airport runways. It can expand and contract with the substrate, minimizing cracks and material fatigue.

🧪 2. Protective Bitumen-Based Coatings

Oxidized Asphalt 85/40 is widely used in the production of bitumen-based paints, primers, and corrosion-resistant coatings for:

  • Steel structures

  • Storage tanks

  • Oilfield equipment
    Its chemical inertness and long-lasting film-forming ability make it ideal for protection in harsh environments.

🧱 3. Industrial Waterproofing Systems

Due to its rigidity and low water permeability, Blown Bitumen 85/40 is commonly used in membrane manufacturing, basement and substructure waterproofing, and tunnel linings where water ingress resistance is essential.

🛢️ 4. Pipe Coating and Wrapping

Blown Asphalt 85/40 is used in hot-applied pipe coating systems, either on its own or in combination with felt, fiberglass, or aluminum wraps. It provides superior adhesion, dielectric strength, and mechanical durability in buried or exposed conditions.

🏠 5. Roofing Felt and Bituminous Sheet Production

Its thermoplastic behavior makes it a perfect base for manufacturing waterproof roofing sheets, bitumen shingles, and polymer-modified bitumen (PMB) membranes.

🔥 6. Thermal Insulation Systems

In HVAC, refinery, and industrial insulation systems, Oxidized Asphalt 85/40 is used as a sealing and adhesive compound. It acts as a barrier to heat, vapor, and moisture, preserving energy efficiency and reducing condensation.

🧪 Key Performance Benefits

  • High Softening Point (85°C): Prevents flow or sag under intense heat

  • Moderate Penetration (40 dmm): Allows for slight movement and flexibility

  • Excellent Adhesion: Bonds to most substrates including concrete, metals, and wood

  • High Chemical Resistance: Inert to acids, alkalis, and salts

  • Aging Stability: Performs consistently over years of exposure

  • Solvent Compatibility: Easily dissolves in trichloroethylene and industrial thinners

❓ FAQs About Oxidized Bitumen 85/40

❓ What is Oxidized Bitumen 85/40 used for?

Blown Asphalt 85/40 used in expansion joints, waterproofing membranes, pipe coatings, and bituminous paints where high softening point and flexibility are both needed.

❓ How is 85/40 different from 85/25 or 85/30?

Oxidized Bitumen 85/40 has higher flexibility than 85/25 and 85/30, making it suitable for flexible coatings and movement joints, while the latter are better for rigid waterproofing or insulation.

❓ Can Oxidized Bitumen 85/40 be reheated?

Yes. Blown Asphalt 85/40 designed for multiple heating cycles without significant degradation, provided temperatures do not exceed the flash point (>250°C).

❓ Is Bitumen 85/40 suitable for solvent-based applications?

Yes. With 99% solubility, it is widely used in solvent-based paints, mastics, and anti-rust coatings.

❓ What packaging options are available for Oxidized Asphalt 85/40?

Common packaging includes:

  • 25 kg meltable PE or paper bags

  • 180 kg steel drums

  • Block form on pallets for bulk use

  • Custom export packaging for container loading

🔍 Conclusion

Oxidized Bitumen 85/40 stands out as a reliable and versatile industrial material for high-temperature, high-performance environments. Its moderate penetration and high softening point make it particularly effective in joint sealants, coatings, and waterproofing solutions where minor flexibility is needed without sacrificing rigidity.

It resists weathering, aging, and chemical attack while delivering excellent adhesion to a wide range of substrates. Whether you’re sealing a bridge joint, producing roofing membranes, or formulating corrosion-resistant coatings, Bitumen 85/40 is a smart, durable solution. Its adaptability across industries makes it one of the most in-demand grades in the oxidized bitumen family.

📣 Call to PEAK UNIVERSAL BUSINESS LTD: Order Bitumen 85/40 Direct from Manufacturer

📦 Bulk Packaging: Bags, Drums, or Blocks

🌍 Global Export to Over 50 Countries

🛠️ Custom Formulation & Technical Support

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Contact our experts today to get the highest-quality Blown Asphalt 85/40—manufactured, tested, and delivered to meet your exact specifications.

✅ We in PEAK UNIVERSAL BUSINESS LTD. provide fast shipping, technical guidance, and full compliance with international standards.

📞 Request a quote now or speak with our team for more information.

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