
Bitumen Penetration 40/50 – Hard Paving Grade Bitumen Supplier
FOB Iskenderun (Turkey) & FOB Jebel Ali (UAE) — ASTM D946 / EN 12591 compliant — Drum, Jumbo Bag & Bulk export
Reviewed by the Zumrut International Kimya Technical Export Team · Updated 2026
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Bitumen Penetration 40/50 is a hard penetration grade bitumen produced by Zumrut International Kimya, with a penetration value of 40–50 dmm at 25°C — noticeably harder than the 60/70 and 80/100 grades. Its high viscosity and elevated softening point make it the preferred choice for heavy-traffic highways, airport runways and industrial pavements exposed to sustained heat and heavy loads. Zumrut supplies Bitumen 40/50 to customers across Africa, Asia and the Middle East from its Iskenderun (Turkey) and Jebel Ali (UAE) export terminals, with full batch test reports, ASTM D946/EN 12591 compliance, and flexible packing from drums to bulk tanker/vessel loading. |
Bitumen Penetration 40/50 Description
Bitumen Penetration 40/50 is classified by the depth, in tenths of a millimetre, that a standard needle penetrates the sample under a 100g load for 5 seconds at 25°C. A range of 40–50 dmm makes this one of the hardest commonly traded penetration grades — noticeably firmer than 60/70 or 80/100 — with high viscosity that resists deformation and flow under heavy traffic loads.
The grade’s softening point of 52–60°C means it stays stable and does not soften excessively in hot climates, while still retaining enough ductility to withstand thermal expansion and contraction without cracking. This combination of hardness, heat resistance and structural support makes it the standard specification for highways, airport runways and heavy-duty industrial pavements.
Bitumen 40/50 Specifications
| Property | Test Method | Unit | Specification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specific gravity @ 25°C | ASTM D70 | Kg/cm³ | 1.01 / 1.06 |
| Penetration @ 25°C | ASTM D5 | mm/10 | 40 / 50 |
| Softening point | ASTM D36 | °C | 52 / 60 |
| Ductility @ 25°C | ASTM D113 | cm | 100 min |
| Loss on heating (wt) | ASTM D6 | wt % | 0.2 max |
| Drop in penetration after heating | ASTM D5–D6 | % | 20 max |
| Flash point | ASTM D92 | °C | 250 min |
| Solubility in CS₂ (wt) | ASTM D4 | wt % | 99.5 min |
| Spot test | AASHTO T102 | — | Negative |
Manufactured to comply with international standards including ASTM D946/D946M and EN 12591 for hard paving grade bitumen. Every batch is tested for penetration, softening point, ductility and solubility before dispatch, with certificates of analysis issued on request.
Bitumen 40/50 Applications
Highway ConstructionMajor roads and highways where the pavement must endure heavy traffic loads and resist rutting under stress. |
Airport RunwaysRunway and taxiway construction, where high resistance to aircraft loads and elevated temperatures is essential. |
Industrial & Heavy-Duty PavementsLoading docks and industrial yards that need to withstand significant weight from heavy equipment and vehicles. |
Bridge DecksSurfacing for bridge decks needing strong structural integrity and resistance to environmental stress. |
Rural & Urban RoadsLong-lasting, low-maintenance pavement solution for roads carrying moderate to heavy traffic. |
Tropical & Hot-Climate RoadsProduced via air-blowing/oxidation of vacuum bottoms, giving strong resistance to softening in warm climates. |
Packing & Loading Options
| Packing | Loading Capacity |
|---|---|
| 1 MT Jumbo Bag with steel cage & pallet | 20 MT in 20 ft container |
| 1 MT Jumbo Bag without cage & pallet | 20 MT in 40 ft container |
| 1,300 kg Jumbo Bag | 26 MT in 40 ft container |
| 180 kg new steel drum | 110 drums in 20 ft container |
| 375 kg Bitubag | 24 MT in 20 ft container |
| Bulk in vessel | 2,000–20,000 MT bitumen carrier |
| Bulk in flexitank | 20 MT per flexi bag |
| Bulk in tanker truck | 25 MT per truck tanker |
Why Import Bitumen 40/50 from Zumrut
Quality Assurance — Manufactured to ASTM D946/D946M and EN 12591, with batch testing for penetration, softening point, ductility and solubility, plus certificates of analysis on every shipment.
Two Export Hubs — Loaded FOB Iskenderun (Turkey) or FOB Jebel Ali (UAE), giving customers in Africa, Asia and the Middle East shorter transit routes and flexible sourcing.
Flexible Packing — From 180 kg drums for small trial orders up to full bulk vessel cargoes of 20,000 MT, all confirmed by direct WhatsApp contact with our Turkey and UAE offices.
Handling, Storage & Safety
Bitumen 40/50 should be handled and stored at the manufacturer’s recommended temperature range in insulated, heated tanks to preserve its properties and prevent contamination. Personnel handling hot bitumen should wear protective clothing — gloves, long sleeves and face protection — as direct skin contact at application temperature can cause severe burns. Proper mixing, laying and compaction procedures with careful temperature monitoring are essential for optimal bonding and long-term pavement safety; regular inspection for cracking or rutting helps catch issues before they compromise the road surface.
HS Code of Bitumen 40/50
Bitumen Penetration 40/50 is classified under HS Code 2713.20 — Chapter 27 (Mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their distillation), Heading 2713 (Petroleum coke, petroleum bitumen and other residues of petroleum oils), Subheading 2713.20 (Petroleum bitumen). This code covers penetration grades 40/50, 60/70 and 80/100 alike; some destination countries apply an extended 8- or 10-digit national tariff code, so we recommend confirming the exact classification with your customs broker before shipment.
📄 Download the full Bitumen 40/50 Specification Sheet (PDF)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penetration range of Bitumen 40/50?
Under ASTM D5 test conditions (25°C, 100g load, 5 seconds), a standard needle penetrates Bitumen 40/50 to a depth of 4.0–5.0 mm (40–50 in tenths of a millimetre), making it one of the hardest commonly traded paving grades.
What is the difference between Bitumen 40/50 and 60/70?
Bitumen 40/50 is harder and has a higher softening point (52–60°C vs roughly 49–56°C for 60/70), giving it greater resistance to rutting under heavy traffic and heat. It is typically specified for highways, airport runways and heavy-duty pavements, while 60/70 suits general highway and urban road use.
What packing options are available for Bitumen 40/50?
Zumrut supplies Bitumen 40/50 in 180 kg steel drums, 375 kg Bitubags, 1 MT and 1,300 kg jumbo bags, or in bulk by flexitank, tanker truck or vessel, up to 20,000 MT per shipment.
What is the HS code for Bitumen 40/50?
Bitumen 40/50 falls under HS Code 2713.20, covering petroleum bitumen under Chapter 27 of the Harmonized System.
Which standards does Zumrut’s Bitumen 40/50 comply with?
It is manufactured and tested to ASTM D946/D946M and EN 12591 for hard paving grade bitumen, with full certificates of analysis available on request.
Where is Bitumen 40/50 loaded for export?
Zumrut loads Bitumen 40/50 FOB Iskenderun (Turkey) or FOB Jebel Ali (UAE), serving customers across Africa, Asia and the Middle East.


