Wintality Petroleum proudly presents Cutback Bitumen, a versatile and essential product used in road construction and maintenance. By reducing the viscosity of ordinary bitumen through the addition of petroleum-based solvents, Cutback Bitumen allows for effective application in low-temperature environments, making it a preferred choice for various paving projects.
What is Cutback Bitumen?
Cutback Bitumen is created by blending traditional bitumen with specific solvents to lower its viscosity temporarily. This process enables the bitumen to be applied without the need for heating, which is particularly advantageous in cooler climates. Once applied, the solvent evaporates, leaving behind a durable and cohesive bitumen layer that binds aggregate effectively.
Types of Cutback Bitumen
Cutback Bitumen is classified into three main categories based on the volatility of the solvent used:
- Slow Curing (SC): Often referred to as "road oils," these are produced from the fractional distillation of crude petroleum. Slow curing cutbacks are ideal for applications requiring extended working times and are typically used in cooler weather conditions.
- Medium Curing (MC): This type combines bitumen with lighter hydrocarbons like kerosene. Medium curing cutbacks strike a balance between workability and curing speed, making them suitable for various applications.
- Rapid Curing (RC): Formulated with fast-evaporating solvents such as naphtha or gasoline, rapid curing cutbacks are designed for quick application and drying, making them ideal for urgent repairs or projects requiring rapid turnaround.
Each type of Cutback Bitumen is available in six standard grades, indicated by prefixes SC, MC, or RC followed by a grade number that denotes consistency. For example, grade 0 represents the most liquid form, while grade 5 indicates a thicker consistency.
Applications of Cutback Bitumen
Cutback Bitumen serves multiple purposes in asphalt pavement construction and maintenance:
Prime Coats
As a prime coat, Cutback Bitumen is applied to untreated subgrades or base layers to fill surface voids and protect against water penetration. This application stabilizes fines and enhances bonding with subsequent pavement layers. Typical application rates range from 0.5 to 1.4 L/m².
Tack Coats
In this role, Cutback Bitumen is used between layers of hot mix asphalt to promote adhesion. Proper bonding between layers is critical for ensuring that the entire pavement structure behaves as a single unit. A typical tack coat application rate is between 0.2 and 0.4 L/m².
Spray Sealing
Cutback Bitumen is extensively utilized in sprayed sealing applications, especially in cooler weather where its lower viscosity provides improved initial stone retention. A thin layer of cutback bitumen is sprayed onto primed surfaces before aggregate is applied, enhancing waterproofing and extending pavement life.
Prime Sealing
In situations where temperatures are too low for effective priming or where traffic may disrupt a primed surface before sealing, a primer seal using Cutback Bitumen can provide adequate protection for up to 6 to 12 months.
Cold Mix Asphalt
Cutback Bitumen can also be employed in cold mix asphalt formulations, allowing for road repairs without heating equipment ideal for remote locations or colder climates.
Specifications of Cutback Bitumen
Wintality Petroleum’s Cutback Bitumen adheres to rigorous industry standards such as ASTM D2026 for Slow Curing, ASTM D2027 for Medium Curing, and ASTM D2028 for Rapid Curing. Below are key specifications:
Slow Curing (SC) Specifications (ASTM D2026)
| Property | SC-70 | SC-250 | SC-800 | SC-3000 | Test Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kinematic Viscosity at 60°C | 70-140 mm²/s | 250-500 mm²/s | 800-1600 mm²/s | 3000-6000 mm²/s | ASTM D-2170 |
| Flash Point (°C) | Min: 66 | - | Min: 93 | - | ASTM D-92 |
| Solubility in Trichloroethylene (%) | Min: 99.0 | - | Min: 99.0 | - | ASTM D-2042 |
Medium Curing (MC) Specifications (ASTM D2027)
| Property | MC-30 | MC-70 | MC-250 | MC-800 | Test Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kinematic Viscosity at 60°C | 30-60 mm²/s | 70-140 mm²/s | 250-500 mm²/s | 800-1600 mm²/s | ASTM D-2170 |
| Flash Point (°C) | Min: 38 | - | Min: 66 | - | ASTM D-92 |
| Solubility in Trichloroethylene (%) | Min: 99.0 | - | Min: 99.0 | - | ASTM D-4 |
Rapid Curing (RC) Specifications (ASTM D2028)
| Property | RC-70 | RC-250 | RC-800 | RC-3000 | Test Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kinematic Viscosity at 60°C | 70-140 mm²/s | 250-500 mm²/s | 800-1600 mm²/s | 3000-6000 mm²/s | ASTM D-2170 |
| Flash Point (°C) | - | Min: 27 | - | Min: 27 | ASTM D-92 |
| Solubility in Trichloroethylene (%) | Min: 99.0 | - | Min: 99.0 | - | ASTM D-4 |
Conclusion
Wintality Petroleum's Cutback Bitumen products offer exceptional versatility and performance in road construction and maintenance applications. With various curing types and grades available, our cutback bitumens are tailored to meet specific project requirements while ensuring durability and adherence to industry standards. For more information about our Cutback Bitumen offerings or to request a quote, please visit our Contact Us page. Wintality Petroleum is dedicated to providing high-quality materials that enhance the efficiency and longevity of your paving projects.