Cutback Bitumen MC30

 

Explanations about Cutback Bitumen MC30

Cutback Bitumen MC30 is a type of bitumen commonly used in road construction and maintenance. Here are some key explanations about it:

  • Composition: MC30 is a medium-curing cutback bitumen, meaning it contains a mixture of bitumen and a solvent, usually kerosene or diesel. The proportion of solvent in MC30 is lower compared to faster curing cutbacks like MC70 or RC250, resulting in a slower curing time.
  • Viscosity: MC30 has a moderate viscosity, which means it flows relatively well at ambient temperatures. This allows for easier handling and application during road construction and maintenance operations.
  • Applications: MC30 is suitable for a range of applications, including prime coating, tack coat, surface dressing, and patching. It can also be used for dust control on unpaved roads. Its slower curing time compared to faster cutbacks makes it particularly useful in situations where a longer workable time is needed.
  • Curing Time: Due to its medium-curing properties, MC30 has a slower curing time compared to rapid-curing cutbacks. This allows for better penetration into the surface and enhances the bonding between layers, resulting in a more durable pavement structure.
  • Environmental Considerations: While MC30 contains a solvent, its lower solvent content compared to faster cutbacks means it has a reduced environmental impact. However, proper handling and disposal procedures should still be followed to minimize environmental harm.

Cutback Bitumen MC-30 Applications

Cutback Bitumen MC-30 finds several applications in road construction and maintenance due to its moderate curing properties and versatility. Here are some common applications:

  1. Prime Coating: MC-30 can be used as a prime coat to prepare the surface before applying asphalt layers. It helps improve the bond between the existing surface and the new asphalt layer, enhancing the overall pavement structure’s integrity.
  2. Tack Coat: As a tack coat, MC-30 promotes adhesion between pavement layers, preventing slippage and ensuring a strong bond. It’s applied between asphalt layers to ensure proper bonding and reduce the risk of delamination.
  3. Surface Dressing: MC-30 is suitable for surface dressing applications, where it is sprayed or applied to the road surface to seal and protect it from water infiltration and weathering. This helps prolong the pavement’s lifespan and reduces maintenance needs.
  4. Patch Repair: In patching and repair work, MC-30 is used to fill potholes, cracks, and other surface defects. Its moderate curing time allows for effective penetration and bonding with the existing pavement material, creating durable repairs.
  5. Dust Control: MC-30 can be applied to unpaved roads to control dust emissions, improving visibility, air quality, and road safety. It forms a thin film over the surface, reducing dust generation and minimizing the need for frequent maintenance.

Why choose cutback bitumen MC30?

Choosing Cutback Bitumen MC30 offers several advantages:

  • Versatility: MC30 is versatile and suitable for a wide range of road construction and maintenance applications, including prime coating, tack coat, surface dressing, patch repair, and dust control. This versatility makes it a valuable choice for various project needs.
  • Moderate Curing Time: MC30 has a moderate curing time, allowing for sufficient workability and penetration into road surfaces. This ensures effective bonding between pavement layers, leading to durable and long-lasting road surfaces.
  • Ease of Application: With its moderate viscosity, MC30 is relatively easy to handle and apply during road construction and maintenance operations. This simplifies the application process and contributes to efficient project execution.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: Compared to other types of bitumen, MC30 typically offers a cost-effective solution for road projects. Its moderate curing properties strike a balance between performance and affordability, making it a preferred choice for many applications.
  • Proven Performance: Cutback Bitumen MC30 has a track record of performance in various road construction projects worldwide. Its reliability and effectiveness have been demonstrated over time, providing confidence to engineers and contractors.

Properties of Cutback Bitumen MC30

Cutback Bitumen MC30 possesses several key properties that make it suitable for various road construction and maintenance applications:

  • Viscosity: MC30 has a moderate viscosity, allowing it to flow relatively easily at ambient temperatures. This property facilitates handling and application during road construction and maintenance operations.
  • Curing Time: MC30 exhibits a moderate curing time, which means it penetrates and sets into the road surface at a moderate rate. This allows for effective bonding between pavement layers, ensuring the durability and longevity of the road surface.
  • Temperature Sensitivity: MC30’s performance can vary depending on temperature conditions during application. It is typically applied at ambient temperatures, and its viscosity may change with temperature fluctuations.
  • Adhesion : MC30 promotes good adhesion between pavement layers when used as a tack coat or prime coat. This property helps prevent slippage and ensures a strong bond between the layers, enhancing the overall pavement structure’s integrity.
  • Water Resistance : MC30 provides water resistance when applied to road surfaces, helping to protect them from water infiltration and weathering. This property contributes to the longevity of the pavement and reduces the need for frequent maintenance.
  • Environmental Impact : While MC30 contains a solvent, its environmental impact is relatively moderate compared to other cutback bitumen grades. Proper handling and disposal procedures should still be followed to minimize environmental harm.

Why MC-30 is Suited for African Conditions

  1. Climate Adaptability: The medium curing rate of MC-30 allows it to perform well in both warm and cooler areas, making it versatile across various climates found in Africa.
  2. Local Accessibility: MC-30 can be applied without advanced machinery, making it suitable for regions with limited infrastructure.
  3. Economic Efficiency: As a cost-effective binder, MC-30 helps manage budgets effectively, especially on rural roads and low-traffic routes.

Packing of Cutback Asphalt MC30

  • Bulk as IBC Tank, Flexi Tank
  • Reconditioned steel drums 203 lit., Net Weight: 185 ± 5 Kg
  • New steel drums 203 lit., Net Weight: 185 ± 5 Kg

Cutback Bitumen MC30

Guaranty and Safety of Bitumen MC-30

The guarantee and safety of Bitumen MC-30 depend on several factors:

  1. Quality Assurance: Procuring Bitumen MC-30 from reputable suppliers who adhere to industry standards and regulations ensures product quality and consistency. Quality control measures during manufacturing and transportation are crucial to guaranteeing the product’s reliability.
  2. Compliance: Ensuring that Bitumen MC-30 meets relevant specifications and standards set by regulatory authorities guarantees its suitability for intended applications. Compliance with quality standards ensures that the product performs as expected and meets safety requirements.
  3. Proper Handling: Following recommended handling procedures and safety precautions during storage, transportation, and application minimizes the risk of accidents and ensures worker safety. Bitumen MC-30 should be stored in a well-ventilated area away from ignition sources and handled with appropriate personal protective equipment.
  4. Environmental Considerations: Adhering to environmental regulations and best practices for the disposal of Bitumen MC-30 and its by-products reduces environmental impact and promotes sustainability. Spills should be promptly cleaned up, and proper disposal methods should be followed to prevent contamination of soil and water sources.
  5. Performance Testing : Conducting performance tests, such as viscosity, penetration, and softening point tests, verifies the quality and suitability of Bitumen MC-30 for specific applications, providing assurance of its performance. Regular testing ensures that the product maintains its desired properties over time.

Specification of Bitumen MC30

 

property Specification Limit Test method
  Min                                Max
Kinematic viscosity at 60°c , (cSt) 30 60 ASTM D2170
Flashpoint(tag open cup), °c 38 ASTM D3143
Distillation test
Distillate, volume percent of total Distillate to 680°f(360°c)
to 437°f(225°c) 35 ASTM D402
To 500°f(260°c)
to 600°f(316°c) 30 75
Residue from distillation to 75 95
680°f(360°c), percent volume by difference 50
Test on Residue from distillation test
Penetration 77°f(25°c) dmm 120 300 ASTM D5
Ductility 77°f(25°c) 5cm/min cm 100 ASTM D113
Solubility in trichloroethylene % 99 ASTM D2042
Water, percent volume 0.2 ASTM D95

 

Cutback Bitumen MC30

Specification of Bitumen MC30