- Bitumen and Its Different Grades
- Different Grades of Bitumen
- Choosing the Right Bitumen Grade
- Which grade of bitumen is most important in Cameroon
- Key Ports for Bitumen Grades Cameroon Discharge
- Domestic and foreign Bitumen Supplier Cameroon
- Bitumen penetration grade specifications 60/70, 80/100, 40/50 for Cameroon
Bitumen and Its Different Grades
What is Bitumen?
Bitumen is a viscous, black, and sticky petroleum-based material primarily used in road construction, waterproofing, and industrial applications. It is produced through the distillation of crude oil and is known for its waterproofing, adhesive, and durability properties.
Different Grades of Bitumen
Bitumen is classified based on its penetration value, viscosity, or performance under specific conditions. The most common types include:
- Penetration Grade Bitumen (Most Common for Roads)
Classified by penetration value (hardness level) measured in 0.1 mm units.
The lower the penetration number, the harder and more durable the bitumen.
Common grades & uses:
– Bitumen 40/50 → Heavy-duty roads, airport runways
– Bitumen 60/70 → Highways, expressways (best for tropical climates)
– Bitumen 80/100 → Provincial & city roads, waterproofing - Viscosity Grade Bitumen (VG)
Classified by viscosity at 60°C (better for temperature variations).
Used in hotter climates and industrial applications.
Common grades:- VG-10 → Low-traffic roads, spraying applications
– VG-30 → Highways & urban roads (widely used in India & hot climates)
– VG-40 → Heavy-duty pavements & industrial use - Performance Grade (PG) Bitumen
Designed to withstand specific temperature ranges.
Used in regions with extreme temperature fluctuations.
Example: PG 64-22 (can handle +64°C max and -22°C min temperatures). - Oxidized (Blown) Bitumen
Produced by blowing air into hot bitumen, making it harder & more resistant to aging.
Used for roofing, waterproofing, and industrial coatings.
Grades: Ranging from Bitumen 85/25 to 115/15. - Cutback Bitumen
Bitumen mixed with solvents (kerosene, diesel) for cold weather applications.
Used for road repair & spray sealing. - Emulsified Bitumen
Bitumen mixed with water & emulsifiers for cold applications.
Used in pothole repairs, surface treatments, and rural roads.
Choosing the Right Bitumen Grade
- Highways & heavy traffic roads → 60/70 or VG-30
- Urban roads & general paving → 80/100 or VG-10
- Roofing & waterproofing → Oxidized bitumen
- Cold weather construction → Cutback or Emulsified bitumen
Which grade of bitumen is most important in Cameroon
Why Bitumen 60/70 is Key in Cameroon:
- Climate Suitability: Cameroon has a tropical climate—hot and humid—especially in the coastal and southern regions. Bitumen 60/70 has a higher viscosity and hardness than 80/100, making it better suited to:
– Resisting softening in high temperatures
– Handling moderate to heavy traffic - Road Construction Projects: Most government and donor-funded infrastructure projects (under the Ministry of Public Works) specify 60/70 penetration grade in their tenders for highway and urban road construction.
- Durability: 60/70 provides longer-lasting pavements in conditions where roads are exposed to:
– Heavy rainfall
– High ambient temperatures
– Axle load stress from trucks
Other Grades Used Occasionally:
Bitumen 80/100 – In cooler regions or lighter-traffic areas (e.g., West/Northwest highlands)
Cutback Bitumen & Emulsions – Used for maintenance, surface dressing, or rural roads
Jumbo Bag and Drum Packaging for Bitumen Grades 60/70 and 80/100 for Cameroon
Bitumen 60/70-80/100 in 1 MT Jumbo Bag with a steel cage and pallet: Loading 20 MT in 20 ft Container
Bitumen 60/70 in 1200 KG Jumbo Bag : Loading 24 MT in 40 ft Container
Bitumen 60/70 in 1300 Kg Jumbo Bag: Loading 26 MT in 40 ft Container
Bitumen 60/70 in 300 Kg BituBag: Loading 24 MT in 20 ft Container
Bitumen 60/70-80/100 in 180kg New Steel Drum: Loading 110 Drum in 20 ft = 20 Ton
Key Ports for Bitumen Grades Cameroon Discharge
Main Port of Cameroon is Douala
On the Atlantic coast, in the Littoral Region
Cameroon’s largest and busiest seaport
Why Port of Douala is Key for Bitumen:
Main entry point for petroleum products, including bitumen grades in bulk and drums
Strategic hub for distributing bitumen to:
Yaoundé (the capital)
Bafoussam, Bamenda, Garoua
Regional exports to Chad and Central African Republic
Domestic and foreign Bitumen Supplier Cameroon
SONARA (Société Nationale de Raffinage)
Location: Limbe, South-West Region
Overview: SONARA is the national oil refinery of Cameroon and the largest producer of bitumen within the country. They supply various bitumen grades for local infrastructure projects, particularly 60/70 and 80/100.
Products: Bitumen in bulk and drums, cutback bitumen, and emulsions.
International Bitumen Supplier Cameroon
International supplier of bitumen from Cameroon By choosing Zumrut International Kimya, you benefit from lasting quality, professional service, and unparalleled expertise in bitumen supply. We are committed to sustainability, innovation, and customer satisfaction, continuously striving to deliver cutting-edge solutions in the bitumen industry.
🔹 Zumrut International Kimya is fully prepared to supply and deliver various grades of bitumen on CIF and CFR terms to various Cameroon ports, .🔹
Bitumen penetration grade specifications 60/70, 80/100, 40/50 for Cameroon
| Property | Bitumen 40/50 | Bitumen 60/70 | Bitumen 80/100 | Test Method |
| Penetration (25°C, 100g, 5s) (0.1 mm) | 40 – 50 | 60 – 70 | 80 – 100 | ASTM D5 |
| Softening Point (°C) | 50 – 58 | 48 – 56 | 45 – 52 | ASTM D36 |
| Ductility (25°C, cm) | >100 | >100 | >100 | ASTM D113 |
| Specific Gravity @ 25°C | 1.01 – 1.06 | 1.01 – 1.06 | 1.01 – 1.06 | ASTM D70 |
| Flash Point (°C, min) | 250 | 230 | 225 | ASTM D92 |
| Loss on Heating (% max) | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 | ASTM D6 |
| Solubility in Trichloroethylene (% min) | 99 | 99 | 99 | ASTM D2042 |
| Viscosity @ 135°C (cSt) | 400 – 600 | 200 – 400 | 150 – 300 | ASTM D2170 |
| Spot Test | Negative | Negative | Negative | AASHTO T102 |
