Viscosity Grade Bitumen VG-10 | IS 73:2013 Supplier Turkey & UAE

Key Properties of Viscosity Grade Bitumen VG-10

IS 73:2013 Full Specification — Viscosity Grade Bitumen VG-10

FOB Price — Viscosity Grade Bitumen VG-10

Why VG-10 for Cold Climates and Emulsion Production?

VG-10 is the softest and most fluid grade in the IS 73:2013 viscosity classification, with absolute viscosity of just 800–1200 Poises at 60°C — roughly one-third the stiffness of VG-30. This softness is precisely what makes VG-10 valuable in two very different applications.

In cold and high-altitude climates, where pavement surface temperatures rarely exceed 30–35°C even in summer, a stiff binder like VG-30 or VG-40 would be brittle and prone to thermal cracking during winter freeze-thaw cycles. VG-10’s lower viscosity and higher penetration (80–100 dmm) keep the binder flexible at low ambient temperatures, allowing the pavement to accommodate thermal contraction without cracking. This makes VG-10 the standard specification for hill roads, high-altitude highways, and regions with average annual temperatures below 25°C.

Separately, VG-10’s low viscosity makes it the preferred base bitumen for manufacturing bitumen emulsions (such as SS-1, CSS-1) and polymer-modified bitumen (PMB). The lower base viscosity allows easier dispersion of bitumen particles during the emulsification process and easier incorporation of polymer modifiers, resulting in more stable, higher-quality finished products.

Applications of Viscosity Grade Bitumen VG-10

Surface Dressing (Spray and Chip Seal): VG-10 is the standard binder for surface dressing — spraying bitumen onto a prepared road surface followed immediately by application of aggregate chippings. The low viscosity ensures the binder spreads evenly and penetrates the chipping layer for strong mechanical interlock. Surface dressing with VG-10 is widely used for rural road maintenance, low to medium traffic roads, and waterproofing of existing pavement surfaces.

Cold and High-Altitude Road Construction: VG-10 replaces the older 80/100 penetration grade in hill roads, mountain highways, and regions with average annual temperatures below 25°C. Its flexibility at low temperatures prevents thermal cracking during winter, a common failure mode for stiffer bitumen grades in cold climates.

Bitumen Emulsion Manufacturing: VG-10 is the preferred base bitumen for producing both anionic and cationic bitumen emulsions. Its low viscosity allows efficient milling and dispersion of bitumen droplets in the colloid mill during the emulsification process, producing stable emulsions with consistent particle size distribution.

Polymer-Modified Bitumen (PMB) Production: Refineries and PMB manufacturers use VG-10 as the base bitumen for blending with SBS, SBR, or other polymer modifiers. The lower base viscosity facilitates better polymer dispersion and network formation during high-shear mixing, resulting in a more homogeneous and stable modified binder.

Tack Coat (Diluted or Cutback): VG-10 can be cutback with kerosene or used as a base for preparing tack coat material in regions where pre-blended cutback grades are not readily available.

Roofing and Waterproofing: Due to its flexibility, VG-10 is also used in roofing felt manufacturing and waterproofing membrane production where low-temperature flexibility is more important than high-temperature stiffness.

All Four VG Grades Compared

Mixing and Application Temperatures for VG-10

VG-10’s low viscosity means lower processing temperatures are required compared to stiffer VG grades, reducing energy costs and the risk of thermal hardening during production.

Packaging & Shipping

VG-10 bitumen is a hot product requiring temperature maintenance during transport and storage. Zumrut International Kimya supplies VG-10 in the following configurations from Iskenderun (Turkey) and Jebel Ali (UAE):

• New Steel Drum: 170–180 kg net, sealed, on pallets — suitable for smaller orders
• Bitutainer / ISO Tank: 20,000–24,000 kg — cost-effective for medium volume orders
• Bulk Tanker (road): ex-Iskenderun or Jebel Ali terminal, for local delivery
• Bulk Vessel: for very large volume orders, subject to minimum quantity

All VG-10 shipments are accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) confirming compliance with IS 73:2013, ASTM D3381, or AASHTO M226. Third-party inspection by SGS, Intertek, or Bureau Veritas is available on request.

Export Destinations

Zumrut International Kimya supplies Viscosity Grade Bitumen VG-10 to road construction projects and bitumen emulsion / PMB manufacturers across India (high-altitude states including Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand), Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Central Asian markets with cooler climates. We also supply VG-10 as feedstock to emulsion and PMB manufacturing plants across the Middle East and Africa. Shipments depart from Iskenderun Port (Turkey) and Jebel Ali Port (UAE).

Frequently Asked Questions — Viscosity Grade Bitumen VG-10

What is VG-10 bitumen?

VG-10 (Viscosity Grade 10) is the softest paving grade bitumen under IS 73:2013, with absolute viscosity of 800–1200 Poises at 60°C and penetration of 80–100 dmm at 25°C. It is the direct equivalent of Penetration Grade 80/100 and is used in cold climate road construction, surface dressing, and as the base bitumen for manufacturing bitumen emulsions and polymer-modified bitumen.

What is the difference between VG-10 and VG-30?

VG-10 has a much lower viscosity (800–1200 Poises at 60°C) compared to VG-30 (2400–3600 Poises), making it significantly softer and more flexible at low temperatures. VG-30 is designed for hot climates and heavy traffic where stiffness and rutting resistance are critical, while VG-10 is designed for cold climates where flexibility and resistance to thermal cracking are the priority. VG-10 is also widely used as a base material for emulsion and PMB production due to its low base viscosity.

Why is VG-10 used to manufacture bitumen emulsions?

VG-10’s low viscosity (800–1200 Poises at 60°C) allows more efficient milling and dispersion of bitumen droplets in the colloid mill during the emulsification process, compared to using a stiffer grade. This results in emulsions with finer, more uniform particle size distribution and better storage stability. Most commercial bitumen emulsions, including SS-1, SS-1h, CSS-1, and CSS-1h, are manufactured using VG-10 or equivalent soft-grade base bitumen.

Can VG-10 be used in hot climates?

VG-10 is not recommended as the primary binder for hot climate, heavy-traffic pavement applications, since its low viscosity provides insufficient resistance to rutting and permanent deformation under traffic loading at high pavement temperatures. For hot climates, VG-30 or VG-40 are the appropriate grades. VG-10 remains useful in hot climates specifically for surface dressing, emulsion manufacturing, and PMB production, where its other properties are advantageous.

What is the equivalent penetration grade for VG-10?

VG-10 is the direct equivalent of Penetration Grade 80/100. Both grades share similar penetration values (80–100 dmm at 25°C), but VG-10 additionally specifies viscosity at 60°C and 135°C, providing more complete performance data across the temperature range relevant to both production and in-service conditions.

What is the storage temperature for VG-10 bitumen?

VG-10 should be stored at 130–160°C — lower than stiffer grades like VG-30 or VG-40, due to its inherently lower viscosity. Avoid heating above 180°C as this causes oxidative hardening and loss of penetration value. Storage tanks should maintain consistent temperature to prevent localised overheating, which can degrade the binder before use in emulsion or PMB manufacturing.

Related Products

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Viscosity Grade Bitumen VG-40 |
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