
- Bitumen and Its Different Grades
- Different Grades of Bitumen
- Which Grade of Bitumen is most Important in Tanzania
- Jumbo Bag and Drum Packaging for Bitumen Grades 60/70 and 80/100 for Tanzania
- Key Ports for Bitumen Grades Tanzania Discharge
- Domestic and foreign Bitumen Supplier Tanzania
- Bitumen Penetration Grade Specifications 60/70, 80/100, 40/50 for Tanzania
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 Tanzania
In Tanzania, the selection of bitumen grades for road construction is influenced by the country’s diverse climatic conditions, ranging from humid coastal areas to semi-arid inland regions. The most commonly utilized penetration grades are 60/70, 80/100, and 40/50.
- Bitumen 60/70:
Properties: This grade has a penetration value between 60 and 70 at 25°C, indicating medium hardness. It offers a balance between flexibility and durability.
Applications: Widely used for paving highways and city roads that require high-temperature resistance and can withstand significant traffic loads. - Bitumen 80/100:
Properties: With a penetration value ranging from 80 to 100, this grade is relatively softer, providing greater flexibility.
Applications: Suitable for regions with cooler climates, as its flexibility helps prevent cracking. - Bitumen 40/50:
Properties: This harder grade has a penetration value between 40 and 50, offering high stiffness.
Applications: Ideal for areas with heavy traffic or high temperatures, as its hardness ensures durability under such conditions. - Oxidized (Blown) Bitumen:
Grades: Ranging from Bitumen 85/25 to 115/15.
Jumbo Bag and Drum Packaging for Bitumen Grades 60/70 and 80/100 for Tanzania
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 Tanzania Discharge
Port of Dar es Salaam
Location: Eastern Tanzania, along the Indian Ocean
Role: Main hub for international trade, including petroleum and construction materials like bitumen
Operated by: Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA)
Handles bitumen imports for both Tanzania and neighboring landlocked countries (Zambia, Malawi, Rwanda, Burundi)
Domestic and foreign Bitumen Supplier Tanzania
- Lake Oil Group
One of the largest fuel and bitumen importers in East Africa
Supplies penetration grades (60/70, 80/100), emulsions, and cutback
Serves Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Rwanda, and Uganda
Owns bitumen storage and trucking facilities - Puma Energy Tanzania
Supplies bitumen and fuel products for road contractors
Offers bulk delivery, storage, and custom blending
Works with major infrastructure firms across Tanzania
International Bitumen Supplier Tanzania
International supplier of Bitumen from Tanzania 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 Tanzania ports, .🔹
Bitumen Penetration Grade Specifications 60/70, 80/100, 40/50 for Tanzania
| 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 |


