MC30 Bitumen
MC30 is a slow-setting cutback bitumen that is widely used in the road construction and civil engineering industries.1 Composed of 60% bitumen and 40% solvent, it is an ideal choice for various applications such as base courses, surface courses, and waterproofing due to its unique properties.
Benefits of using MC30:
- Ease of application: Being a liquid, MC30 can be easily applied and spread, requiring minimal equipment.2
- Strong adhesion: It adheres exceptionally well to various surfaces, including aggregates, asphalt, and metals.3
- Durability: Resistant to weather and wear, ensuring the longevity of construction projects.
- Rapid drying: The solvent content allows MC30 to dry quickly, enabling traffic to resume soon after application.
- Crack resistance: Its flexibility prevents asphalt from cracking due to temperature fluctuations and stress.
- Cost-effective: The balance of performance and price makes it an economical choice.
Applications of MC30:
- Base course: Used as a binder between layers in road construction, preventing material movement.4
- Prime coat: Applied to prepare surfaces before paving and as a sealant for various surfaces.5
- Bituminous macadam: A component in bituminous macadam mixes for various road surfaces.
- Sealing: Used to fill gaps and cracks, preventing water infiltration.
- Waterproofing: Provides a moisture barrier for structures.
MC30 Analysis:
| No | Test | Unit | Method | Results | ||||
| MC-30 | MC-70 | MC-250 | MC-800 | MC-3000 | ||||
| 1 | Kin.Vis @ 60 | CST | ASTM • D2170 | 30-60 | 70-140 | 250-500 | 800-1600 | 3000-6000 |
| 2 | Flash Point(Min) | °c | ASTM • 03143 | 38 | 38 | 66 | 66 | 66 |
| 3 | Water Point(Max) | %Vol | ASTM – D95 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.2 |
| 4 | Distillate To 360 | |||||||
| 225(Max) | %Vol | ASTM • D402 | 35 | 25 | 20 | – | – | |
| 260 | %Vol | 30-75 | 10-70 | 5-55 | 40 | 15 | ||
| 315 | %Vol | 75-95 | 65-93 | 60-90 | 45-85 | 15-75 | ||
| 5 | Residue From Distillation To 360(Min) | ASTM • D402 | 50 | 55 | 67 | 75 | 80 | |
| Test On Residue Bitumen From Distillation | ||||||||
| 6 | Penetration @ 25 | ec | ASTM • D5 | 120-300 | 120-300 | 120-300 | 120-300 | 120-300 |
| 7 | Ductility(Min) | cc | ASTM • D113 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| 8 | Solubility In Trichloroethylene(Min) |
%WT | ASTM • D2042 | 99 | 99 | 99 | 99 | 99 |
Key Considerations:
- Storage: Store in sealed containers away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Safety: Always wear protective gear when handling bitumen.
- Compatibility: Choose the right solvent based on the application and climate.
- Application: Follow recommended procedures for application and curing.
Selecting the Right MC30: The choice of MC30 depends on factors such as:
- Climate: For hot climates, a bitumen with a higher viscosity might be suitable.
- Application: Different applications require different properties. For example, a waterproofing application might require a bitumen with higher ductility.
- Surface Condition: The condition of the surface to be treated will influence the choice of bitumen.
Conclusion: MC30 is a versatile bitumen with numerous applications in the construction industry.6 Its ease of use, durability, and cost-effectiveness make it a popular choice. However, it’s essential to select the right grade and ensure proper application to achieve optimal results.
