Viscosity Grade Bitumen 10

 

Viscosity Grade Bitumen 10 Description

Viscosity Grade Bitumen 10 (VG-10) is a type of bitumen classified by its viscosity. Bitumen, a viscous, black, and sticky substance derived from crude oil, is primarily used in road construction and roofing. The “VG” in VG-10 stands for “Viscosity Grade,” indicating that the classification is based on the bitumen’s viscosity at specific temperatures.

VG-10 bitumen is characterized by a viscosity of 100 ± 20 poises at 60°C. This grade is softer compared to other viscosity-graded bitumens, making it suitable for use in colder climates where bitumen needs to remain flexible and workable at lower temperatures. VG-10 is often used in the production of bitumen emulsions, cutback bitumen, and modified bitumen, as well as in applications such as sealing, coating, and paving in regions with mild weather conditions.

Key properties of VG-10 bitumen include:

• Softening Point: The temperature at which the bitumen softens.
• Penetration Value: Indicates the hardness of the bitumen by measuring the depth a needle penetrates under specified conditions.
• Ductility: Measures the ability of bitumen to stretch without breaking.
• Viscosity: Indicates the flow characteristics at specific temperatures.

VG-10’s lower viscosity compared to higher grades like VG-20, VG-30, and VG-40 makes it more fluid, which is advantageous for applications requiring a smoother and more pliable material.

Viscosity Grade Bitumen 10 Applications

Viscosity Grade Bitumen 10 (VG-10) is primarily used in a variety of applications due to its lower viscosity and relatively soft consistency. Here are some of its common applications:

1. Surface Dressing:
   – VG-10 is used for surface dressing of roads, which involves spraying the bitumen over the road surface followed by the application of aggregates. This process helps in providing a protective layer and restoring the surface texture.
2. Bitumen Emulsions:
   – VG-10 is suitable for manufacturing bitumen emulsions, which are used for road maintenance and construction. Emulsions allow for the bitumen to be used in a more fluid form without the need for heating, making it ideal for cold or damp conditions.
3. Seal Coats:
   – VG-10 is used in seal coat applications where it acts as a protective layer on existing asphalt pavements. Seal coating helps in preventing water infiltration, reducing oxidation, and improving the durability of the road.
4. Tack Coats:
   – VG-10 is applied as a tack coat, which is a thin layer of bitumen used to create a bond between the existing pavement surface and a new overlay. This ensures proper adhesion and prevents slippage between layers.
5. Paving in Cold Climates:
   – Due to its lower viscosity, VG-10 is well-suited for paving in regions with colder climates. It remains workable and flexible at lower temperatures, which helps in achieving a better compaction and smooth surface finish.
6. Bituminous Macadam:
   – VG-10 is used in bituminous macadam, a type of road construction material composed of bitumen and aggregates. This is typically used for the base or binder course in road construction.
7. Modified Bitumen:
   – VG-10 can be modified with polymers or other additives to enhance its properties for specific applications such as high-stress areas or regions with extreme weather conditions.
8. Cutback Bitumen:
   – VG-10 is also used in the production of cutback bitumen, which involves dissolving bitumen in a solvent to reduce its viscosity for ease of application at lower temperatures.

History of Bitumen VG 10

The history of Viscosity Grade Bitumen 10 (VG-10) is tied closely to the development and standardization of bitumen usage in road construction and other industrial applications. Here’s a brief overview of how VG-10 came to be:

         Early Use of Bitumen
–  Ancient Times: 
– Bitumen has been used for thousands of years. Ancient civilizations, such as the Sumerians and Egyptians, utilized naturally occurring bitumen for waterproofing and as a bonding agent for building materials.
– The use of bitumen in road construction dates back to ancient Mesopotamia, where bitumen was used to bind stones and create durable road surfaces.

         Industrial Revolution and Beyond
–  19th Century: 
– With the advent of the Industrial Revolution, the demand for improved road infrastructure increased. Bitumen, as a by-product of the petroleum industry, began to be used more extensively for road construction.
– The development of macadam roads by John McAdam also influenced the use of bitumen, as it was found to be an effective binder for aggregates in road construction.

         Standardization and Classification
–  20th Century: 
– As the petroleum industry grew, so did the need for standardization in bitumen products. The introduction of penetration grades was one of the earliest forms of classification, where bitumen was graded based on the depth a needle could penetrate under specific conditions.
– However, penetration grades had limitations in accurately reflecting the performance of bitumen under varying temperature conditions. This led to the development of viscosity grading.

         Introduction of Viscosity Grading
–  Late 20th Century: 
– Viscosity grading was introduced to provide a more accurate measure of bitumen’s performance by focusing on its viscosity at specific temperatures. This approach allowed for better prediction of how bitumen would behave under different climatic conditions and traffic loads.
– VG-10, as part of this new classification system, was developed to cater to regions requiring bitumen with lower viscosity. The ’10’ in VG-10 refers to its viscosity range (100 ± 20 poises at 60°C).

        Adoption and Application
–  21st Century: 
– VG-10 became widely adopted for specific applications such as surface dressing, tack coats, and use in colder climates due to its lower viscosity and enhanced workability.
– The standardization of bitumen into various viscosity grades, including VG-10, helped improve the quality and durability of road construction projects worldwide.

         Modern Day
–  Current Use: 
– VG-10 continues to be an essential material in the construction and maintenance of roads, especially in regions with moderate to cold climates. Its applications have expanded to include use in bitumen emulsions, seal coats, and modified bitumen products.
– Ongoing research and development in the field of bitumen continue to refine and improve the performance characteristics of VG-10, ensuring its relevance and utility in modern infrastructure projects.

Properties of Viscosity Grade Bitumen 10

Viscosity Grade Bitumen 10 (VG-10) possesses specific properties that make it suitable for certain applications, particularly in road construction and maintenance. Here are the key properties of VG-10:

          Physical Properties

1.  Viscosity: 
   –  At 60°C: 100 ± 20 poises.
   –  At 135°C: Typically measured to ensure suitability for mixing and laying temperatures.
2. Penetration: 
   – Measures the hardness of bitumen by the depth (in tenths of a millimeter) a standard needle penetrates at 25°C. VG-10 has a higher penetration value, indicating it is softer than higher-grade bitumens.
3. Softening Point: 
   – The temperature at which bitumen softens sufficiently to flow. For VG-10, the softening point is usually in the range of 40-50°C.
4. Ductility: 
   – Indicates the ability of bitumen to stretch without breaking. VG-10 typically has high ductility, measured at 25°C, signifying good elongation properties.
5. Flash Point: 
   – The temperature at which bitumen emits vapor that can ignite in air. VG-10 generally has a flash point above 220°C, ensuring safety during heating.

          Chemical Properties

1. Solubility in Trichloroethylene: 
   – VG-10 bitumen should have a solubility of 99% or higher, indicating the purity of the bitumen and the absence of non-bituminous matter.
2. Loss on Heating: 
   – The percentage loss in weight after heating for a specified time. VG-10 exhibits minimal loss on heating, usually less than 1%, indicating good thermal stability.

         Performance Properties

1. Adhesion: 
   – VG-10 has excellent adhesive properties, ensuring it binds well with aggregates in road construction and maintenance.
2. Temperature Susceptibility: 
   – VG-10 is less temperature-sensitive compared to penetration grade bitumen, offering more consistent performance across varying temperatures.
3. Durability: 
   – Good aging resistance, maintaining its properties over time under the effects of weather and traffic loads.

          Specific Tests and Standards

VG-10 bitumen must meet the specifications set by various standards organizations, such as the Indian Standards (IS), American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), or others relevant to the region of use. The common tests include:

• Viscosity Test (IS 1206 (Part II) or ASTM D2171): To determine the viscosity at specified temperatures.
• Penetration Test (IS 1203 or ASTM D5): To measure the penetration value.
• Softening Point Test (IS 1205 or ASTM D36): To determine the softening point.
• Ductility Test (IS 1208 or ASTM D113): To assess ductility.
• Flash Point Test (IS 1209 or ASTM D92): To determine the flash point.
• Solubility Test (IS 1216 or ASTM D2042): To measure the solubility in trichloroethylene.

These properties and tests ensure that VG-10 bitumen meets the necessary performance criteria for specific applications, particularly in regions with moderate to cold climates where its flexibility and workability at lower temperatures are advantageous.

Packing of Bitumen VG10

Bitumen VG 10 is typically packed and transported in a variety of ways Here are some common packing options for Bitumen VG 10:

• 180kg New Steel Drum: Loading 110 Drum in 20 ft
• 375Kg Bitubag : Loading 24 MT in 20 ft Container
• Bulk in vessel: Loading 2000 to 20,000 MT in Bitumen Carrier
• Bulk in Flexi Bag: Loading 20 MT in Bitumen Felexi Bag
• Bulk in Tunker : Loading 25 MT in Truk Tanker

VG-10 Specification

 

Specification of Bitumen VG10