Factors affecting the aging of Bitumen

Bitumen:

Bitumen is a by-product of crude oil.The source and kind of crude oil from which it is generated determine the material’s quality and simplicity of manufacture. It was first employed for its natural adhesive and waterproofing properties, which helped to bind construction materials together. 

The product has a variety of current applications. It is typically used in road paving and is intended for industrial application. Bitumen is also widely utilized by organizations that design and produce roofing materials.

Aging of Bitumen

Bitumen, like any substance, is impacted by variables such as the presence of oxygen, UV light, and temperature variations. These elements are in charge of bitumen hardening. Excessive hardness must be avoided in order to extend the life of bituminous pavement.

Factors affecting the aging of Bitumen

1. OXIDATIVE HARDENING: 

When bitumen is exposed to the environment for an extended length of time, oxygen begins to react with the bitumen ingredients, resulting in an increase in weight. Heavier bitumen will have less flexibility and hence more hardness. 

The degree of hardness is determined by elements such as ambient temperature, exposure period, and bitumen coating thickness applied by the Bitumen emulsion suppliers. 

2. HARDENING EXUDATIVE:

Exudative hardening occurs as a result of the evaporation of oily components out of bitumen over time. The pace of hardening caused by this process is affected by the type of bitumen used by the Bitumen emulsion suppliers as well as the formula of the aggregate.

3.  BITUMEN HARDENING DURING STORAGE:

The presence of oxygen and the storage of bitumen in above-ground tanks at high temperatures are the two key variables responsible for bitumen hardening. 

As a result, it is critical that bitumen be handled by Bitumen emulsion suppliers at the lowest possible temperature in order to maximize efficiency. In addition, the storage tanks should have a low surface-to-volume ratio. Lower exposure to oxygen.

4.  ROAD BITUMEN HARDENING:

Due to oxygen in nature, some bitumen hardening may occur on the road. The degree of oxidation is solely determined by the availability of oxygen. Because the void content is low in a well-graded and compacted bitumen provided by the bitumen emulsion suppliers, hardening is minimal.

5.  HARDENING AS A RESULT OF EVAPORATION:

The liquid components of bitumen evaporate over time. The rate of evaporation is solely determined by temperature. Because the liquid in bitumen is relatively low, the hardness caused by volatile loss is minimal.

Hence, trusted bitumen emulsion suppliers are chosen to provide good quality ingredients for the bitumen formula that reduces the scope for evaporation.

6. HARDENING PHYSICALLY:

Bitumen, naturally, tends to become hard over a period of time. This causes physical hardening. Because this is a very gradual process, the actual hardness owing to the aforementioned reason is relatively minimal.

Conclusion:

Extreme pressure can irreversibly deform bitumen. Cracking can occur if the material is subjected to continuous stress. It oxidizes, making the bitumen brittle. The manner it changes form is determined by several factors, including the composition of the asphalt mixture and the ambient temperature.

However, it is always recommended to prefer good quality bitumen from trusted bitumen emulsion suppliers to increase the life of bitumen in the long run.

About Us:
Bedrock Chem Infra LLP is a Mumbai-based bitumen emulsion supplier that provides high-quality road materials to road builders. We take into account the many requirements that arise during road building and are prepared to provide the right bitumen emulsion and other road maintenance products without fail. As one of the leading bitumen emulsion suppliers in Maharashtra, we prioritize your needs and are prepared to satisfy them quickly.