- What Is Cutback Bitumen MC-30?
- Cutback Bitumen MC-30 Specification — ASTM D2028
- MC-30 Composition & Physical Properties
- Applications of Cutback Bitumen MC-30
- MC-30 vs. Other MC Grades — Which to Choose?
- Packaging & Export Terms
- Frequently Asked Questions — Cutback Bitumen MC-30
- Safety & Handling
- Related Products & Pages
Cutback Bitumen MC-30 — Medium Curing Liquid Bitumen Supplier
Cutback Bitumen MC-30 (also written as MC30 or Bitumen MC-30) is a medium-curing liquid bitumen produced by blending penetration grade bitumen 80/100 with kerosene as the diluent solvent. The “30” refers to its kinematic viscosity range of 30–60 cSt at 60°C — the lowest viscosity among all MC grades — making it the most fluid and easiest-to-apply grade in the medium-curing family. Zumrut International Kimya supplies cutback bitumen MC-30 FOB Iskenderun (Turkey) and Jebel Ali (UAE), packed in new steel drums or bulk, with full ASTM D2028 compliance and SGS/Intertek inspection available at loading port.
What Is Cutback Bitumen MC-30?
MC-30 belongs to the Medium Curing (MC) family of cutback bitumens, classified by ASTM D2028. “Medium curing” refers to the evaporation rate of the kerosene solvent — slower than naphtha-based RC grades, faster than diesel-based SC grades. MC-30 contains approximately 58% penetration grade bitumen and 42% kerosene by volume. After application, the kerosene evaporates over roughly 24–48 hours, leaving behind a firm bitumen binder that bonds aggregate and seals the surface.
Because MC-30 has the lowest viscosity of all MC grades, it can penetrate dense, compacted granular bases without heating — a critical advantage in remote areas or hot climates where heating equipment is unavailable. For open, porous base surfaces, higher viscosity grades such as MC-250 or MC-800 are preferred.
Cutback Bitumen MC-30 Specification — ASTM D2028
The following technical data sheet (TDS) conforms to ASTM D2028-97 (Reapproved 2004) — the standard specification for medium-curing cutback petroleum asphalts:
| Property | Test Method | Unit | Min | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kinematic Viscosity at 60°C | ASTM D2170 | cSt | 30 | 60 |
| Flash Point (Tag Open Cup) | ASTM D1310 | °C | 38 | — |
| Water Content | ASTM D95 | % vol | — | 0.2 |
| Distillate to 225°C | ASTM D402 | % vol | — | 25 |
| Distillate to 260°C | ASTM D402 | % vol | 40 | 70 |
| Distillate to 315°C | ASTM D402 | % vol | 75 | — |
| Residue from Distillation (vol %) | ASTM D402 | % vol | 50 | — |
| Penetration of Residue at 25°C | ASTM D5 | 0.1 mm | 120 | 250 |
| Ductility of Residue at 25°C | ASTM D113 | cm | 100 | — |
| Absolute Viscosity of Residue at 60°C | ASTM D2171 | Poises | 300 | — |
| Solubility in Trichloroethylene | ASTM D2042 | % wt | 99.0 | — |
MC-30 Composition & Physical Properties
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Base Bitumen | Penetration Grade 80/100 |
| Solvent / Diluent | Kerosene (medium volatility) |
| Bitumen Content (approx.) | ~58% by volume |
| Kerosene Content (approx.) | ~42% by volume |
| Color | Black / Dark Brown |
| State at Ambient Temperature | Liquid (pumpable without heating) |
| Average Curing Time | 24 – 48 hours |
| Recommended Application Temp. | Ambient to 60°C (heating recommended for spray) |
| Other Names | Liquid Bitumen MC-30, Cutback Asphalt MC-30, Road Oil MC30, Bitumen MC30 |
| Standard | ASTM D2028-97 (Rev. 2004) |
Applications of Cutback Bitumen MC-30
1. Prime Coat on Granular Base (Primary Use)
The most important application of MC-30 is as a prime coat — a preparatory spray applied directly onto a compacted granular or crushed-stone base course before placing the asphalt wearing course. Due to its low viscosity (30–60 cSt at 60°C), MC-30 penetrates up to 10 mm into dense bases, coating and bonding loose aggregate particles, stabilizing the surface, and creating a waterproof barrier that bonds the base to the subsequent asphalt layer.
Prime coat application rate: typically 0.5 – 0.9 L/m² (engineer’s discretion based on base porosity). After solvent evaporation, the residual bitumen deposit is approximately 0.35 L/m². For more information, see our guide: Cutback Bitumen in Prime Coat and Tack Coat.
2. Cold Mix Asphalt
MC-30 is widely used as the binder in cold mix asphalt — a pre-mixed combination of aggregate and liquid bitumen that can be produced and applied at ambient temperature without heating. Cold mix with MC-30 is ideal for emergency road repairs, pothole patching, and remote locations without hot-mix plant access. When the base is hard and dense, MC-30 is preferred over higher viscosity MC grades because it requires no pre-heating even in hot seasons.
3. Tack Coat
A light spray of MC-30 between two asphalt layers ensures proper adhesion and prevents layer slippage under traffic load. See our page on prime coat and tack coat applications for full specifications.
4. Surface Dressing & Spray Sealing
MC-30 is applied in low-volume sprayed sealing applications, particularly in cold weather where lower viscosity improves initial aggregate retention. After spraying, aggregate chips are embedded into the liquid bitumen and the solvent evaporates to leave a durable chip seal surface. See: Cutback Bitumen for Road Surfacing.
5. Dust Suppression
MC-30 is sprayed on unpaved gravel and laterite roads to bind surface particles, suppress dust, and extend road life in dry climates. This application is common across Sub-Saharan Africa, South and Southeast Asia, and Central Asia.
6. Bituminous Paint & Waterproofing
Due to its low viscosity, MC-30 is used as a penetrating bituminous paint on concrete, masonry, and metal surfaces for waterproofing and corrosion protection in construction and pipeline applications.
MC-30 vs. Other MC Grades — Which to Choose?
| Grade | Viscosity (cSt @ 60°C) | Best For | Base Surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| MC-30 ← this page | 30 – 60 | Prime coat, cold mix, dust suppression | Dense, compacted, hard to penetrate |
| MC-70 | 70 – 140 | Tack coat, chip seal | Medium porosity base |
| MC-250 | 250 – 500 | Cold mix stockpile, open base | Open, porous gravel base |
| MC-800 | 800 – 1,600 | Heavy-duty road repair | Open, coarse aggregate base |
| MC-3000 | 3,000 – 6,000 | Base stabilization, heavy mix | Very open, coarse base |
Rule of thumb: Use MC-30 when the base is dense and hard to penetrate. Use higher viscosity grades (MC-250, MC-800) when the base is open and porous. If the project environment restricts solvent-based products, slow-setting bitumen emulsion CSS-1 can serve as an alternative prime coat, though MC-30 delivers deeper penetration and stronger base bonding.
Packaging & Export Terms
| Packing | Net Weight | Per 20ft Container |
|---|---|---|
| New steel drum (203 L) | 185 ± 5 kg | ~80 drums / ~16 MT |
| Reconditioned steel drum (203 L) | 185 ± 5 kg | ~80 drums / ~16 MT |
| IBC Tank (1,000 L) | ~900 kg | ~20 MT |
| Bulk flexi-tanker | As agreed | Full tanker load |
Loading ports: Iskenderun & Mersin (Turkey) | Jebel Ali (UAE)
Incoterms: FOB, CFR, CIF
HS Code: 2713.20.00
Min. order: 1 × 20ft container (≈16 MT in drums)
Documents: COA, MSDS, BL, Packing List, Certificate of Origin — SGS/Intertek inspection available
Frequently Asked Questions — Cutback Bitumen MC-30
What does MC-30 stand for?
MC stands for Medium Curing — referring to the volatility of the kerosene solvent used. The number 30 indicates the kinematic viscosity range (30–60 cSt at 60°C), which is the lowest in the MC family and makes MC-30 the most fluid, easiest-to-apply medium-curing grade.
What is the application rate of MC-30 as a prime coat?
The standard prime coat application rate for MC-30 is 0.5 – 0.9 litres per m², determined by the engineer based on the porosity and density of the granular base. After solvent evaporation, the residual bitumen deposit is approximately 0.35 L/m², forming a thin bonding film across the base surface.
Does MC-30 require heating before application?
Unlike higher viscosity grades such as MC-250 or MC-800, MC-30 is pumpable at ambient temperature without heating. However, for spray applications, moderate heating to 40–60°C improves atomisation and spray uniformity. In cold climates (below 10°C), heating to 50–60°C is recommended.
Can MC-30 be replaced by bitumen emulsion?
In some applications — particularly prime coating — MC-30 can be substituted by slow-setting cationic emulsions such as CSS-1. However, MC-30 is generally preferred because it penetrates denser bases more effectively and delivers stronger adhesion. In countries with restrictions on VOC emissions, emulsion alternatives may be specified.
What solvent is used in Cutback Bitumen MC-30?
MC-30 uses kerosene (medium volatility petroleum distillate) as the diluent. This distinguishes it from Rapid Curing grades (which use naphtha/gasoline) and Slow Curing grades (which use diesel or fuel oil). The kerosene content in MC-30 is approximately 42% by volume.
How long does MC-30 take to cure?
Under normal conditions (ambient temperature 20–30°C, moderate air movement), MC-30 reaches surface dry in approximately 24–48 hours. Full cure depends on temperature, humidity, and base absorption rate. Traffic should not be allowed on a freshly primed surface until the kerosene has fully evaporated.
What is the shelf life of MC-30 cutback bitumen?
When stored in sealed, original drums in a shaded, ventilated area away from direct heat and ignition sources, MC-30 has a shelf life of 12–24 months. Drums should be stored upright on pallets and inspected regularly for leaks or solvent evaporation.
Safety & Handling
Cutback Bitumen MC-30 contains petroleum solvent (kerosene) and must be handled with care:
- Store away from open flames, sparks, and heat sources — flash point minimum 38°C
- Use PPE: chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and flame-resistant clothing
- Ensure adequate ventilation in enclosed storage areas
- Do not mix with water — risk of spattering
- Transport in approved, sealed containers in accordance with ADR/IMDG regulations
- Full MSDS available on request — see also: MSDS Cutback Bitumen MC-30
