Description of Oxidized Bitumen 85/35
Oxidized Bitumen 85/35, also known as Blown Asphalt 85/35 or Oxidized Asphalt 85/35, is an industrial-grade bitumen. It is made by blowing air through a soft penetration-grade bitumen at high temperature, typically 230–280 °C, under controlled conditions. The air-blowing process triggers oxidation and polymerisation reactions that shift the bitumen’s composition from aromatics and resins towards heavier asphaltenes. The result is a harder, more rubber-like material. Compared with paving-grade bitumen, it has a much higher softening point and much lower temperature susceptibility.
At Raha Oil, Oxidized Bitumen 85/35 is produced from Bitumen 60/70 feedstock in a controlled air-blowing process. Blowing is stopped once the target softening point and penetration are reached. Each batch is tested against the technical data sheet below before loading.
What Does 85/35 Mean?
The two numbers in the grade name are the midpoints of its two key specifications:
85 is the midpoint of the softening point range, 80–90 °C. Softening point is measured by the Ring and Ball method (ASTM D36).
35 is the midpoint of the penetration range, 30–40. Penetration is measured in units of 0.1 mm at 25 °C (ASTM D5).
This combination places 85/35 in the middle of the oxidized bitumen range. It is hard enough to resist flow on hot roofs and pipe surfaces, yet more flexible than very hard grades such as Oxidized Bitumen 115/15.
Oxidation builds a gel-type structure in the bitumen. As a result, oxidized bitumen has a high penetration index (PI), generally well above +2, while road-paving bitumen is roughly −1 to +1. In practical terms, 85/35 stays stable over a wider temperature range: it softens less in summer heat and becomes less brittle in cold weather.
Raha Oil – Your Oxidized Bitumen 85/35 Supplier
Raha Oil supplies Oxidized Bitumen 85/35 from Jebel Ali, Dubai, to buyers across the Middle East, Africa, and South and Southeast Asia. We offer flexible packing in Kraft paper bags, carton boxes and steel drums. Every shipment comes with full export documentation, including Certificate of Analysis (COA), MSDS and Certificate of Origin. For current prices, availability or a proforma invoice, contact our sales team .
Applications of Oxidized Bitumen 85/35
Its balance of hardness, flexibility and water resistance makes Oxidized Bitumen 85/35 suitable for a wide range of industrial and construction uses:
Roofing: coating and saturating roofing felts, built-up roofing (BUR) systems and hot-applied roof waterproofing.
Waterproofing: oxidized bitumen membranes, damp-proof courses, and waterproofing of foundations, basements, tunnels and water tanks.
Pipe coating: corrosion-protection coating for steel pipelines, often applied with fibreglass or felt reinforcement wrap.
Mastics, sealants and joint fillers: expansion and crack sealing in concrete structures, floors and industrial pavements.
Adhesives and insulation: bonding thermal insulation boards, and producing sound-deadening and vibration-damping pads.
Paints and coatings: bituminous paints and anti-corrosion coatings for steel and concrete surfaces.
For very hot climates or steep roofs, a grade with a higher softening point may be preferred, such as Oxidized Bitumen 105/35. Grade 85/35 is well suited to moderate climates and to applications that need more flexibility.
Key Properties and Advantages of Blown Asphalt 85/35
High softening point (80–90 °C): resists flow and sagging on sun-exposed surfaces.
Low temperature susceptibility: a high penetration index keeps its properties stable between summer and winter.
Good flexibility for its hardness: resists cracking under thermal movement.
Excellent water resistance: forms a durable, impermeable barrier.
Strong adhesion: bonds well to metal, concrete, roofing felts and insulation materials.
Chemical resistance: good resistance to water, dilute acids, alkalis and salts.
Thermal stability: low loss on heating (0.2 wt% max) during melting and application.
Compared with paving-grade bitumen, Oxidized Bitumen 85/35:
Has a higher softening point and a higher penetration index.
Behaves as a more solid, rubber-like material at ambient temperature.
Is designed for industrial and waterproofing uses rather than asphalt road mixes.
Looking for a slightly softer or harder grade? Compare Oxidized Bitumen 85/40 and Oxidized Bitumen 85/25 , or browse our full Oxidized Bitumen range .
Storage and Handling of Oxidized Bitumen 85/35
Storage
Store packed Oxidized Bitumen 85/35 in a dry, shaded and well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and sources of ignition.
Keep bags and cartons on pallets, off the ground. In hot climates, limit stacking height so the lower layers do not deform or stick together.
Keep the product in its original packaging until use, and protect it from contamination with water, dust and foreign materials.
Heating and Melting
Oxidized bitumen is a poor conductor of heat, so careful control during melting is essential for both safety and product quality.
Break the bitumen into smaller pieces before loading it into the melting kettle or boiler. A larger surface area allows more even heating and prevents localised overheating at the base and walls of the kettle.
Heat gradually to the working temperature and never exceed 230 °C. Overheating can crack the bitumen thermally and release flammable low-flash vapours. Once that happens, the product’s own flash point no longer reflects the real fire risk.
Do not let melted bitumen solidify in the kettle and then reheat it from cold. Poor convection can create local hot spots and trapped pockets of vapour under pressure.
Place temperature sensors close to the heat source. Because of poor heat transfer, a thermometer placed far from the burner can read much lower than the true temperature near the heating surface.
Keep water away from hot bitumen. Even small amounts of water can cause violent foaming and boil-over.
Avoid repeated or prolonged heating, which hardens the bitumen further and changes its specifications.
Health and Safety
Personal protective equipment: wear heat-resistant gloves, a face shield or safety goggles, long-sleeved protective clothing and safety boots when handling hot bitumen.
Ventilation: work in well-ventilated areas and avoid breathing fumes from heated bitumen. Heated bitumen can release hydrogen sulphide (H₂S), especially in enclosed spaces and tank headspaces.
Burns: if hot bitumen contacts the skin, cool the area immediately under cold running water for at least 15 minutes. Do not try to peel the bitumen off the skin. Seek medical attention.
Cleaning tools and equipment: use an approved industrial bitumen cleaner, away from heat and ignition sources. Never use gasoline (petrol) as a cleaning agent.
Fire: use foam, dry chemical powder or CO₂ extinguishers. Do not spray water jets onto burning or hot bitumen.
For full safety information, refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), which is available on request from our sales team.
Packing Options for Oxidized Bitumen 85/35
Raha Oil supplies Oxidized Bitumen 85/35 in several export-ready packing types. Each type suits a different handling method, climate and budget. All packing is loaded in 20ft containers, palletised or loose, according to the buyer’s requirements.
25 kg Kraft Paper Bag
Multi-wall Kraft paper bags with a silicone-coated inner layer, which stops the bitumen from sticking to the paper. This is the most economical and widely used packing for oxidized bitumen. The paper is stripped off before the bitumen goes into the melting kettle. Bags can be shipped on pallets or loose. Approx. 20 MT per 20ft container.
25 kg Carton Box (Block Packing)
Hot bitumen is poured into a lined carton mould and solidifies into a firm block. Carton boxes stack neatly, hold their shape better in hot climates and are easy to handle and store on site. The carton is easily removed at destination. This is a premium packing option. Approx. 20 MT per 20ft container.
25 kg Meltable Bag
A low-melting polymer bag that goes directly into the kettle and melts together with the bitumen, so no unpacking is needed. Filled bags are cooled quickly in water during production. Meltable bags save labour and reduce packaging waste on site. They suit applications where a small polymer content is acceptable.
180 kg New Steel Drum
Sealed new steel drums give maximum protection against contamination, moisture and deformation during long-distance shipping and storage. Approx. 110 drums (about 20 MT) per 20ft container.
Need a different packing size or a custom arrangement? Learn more about our bitumen packaging options or contact our sales team for a tailored offer.
Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ
Oxidized Bitumen 85/35, also called Blown Asphalt 85/35, is an industrial-grade bitumen. It is produced by blowing air through penetration-grade bitumen at high temperature. The process gives it a higher softening point, lower temperature susceptibility and a more rubber-like consistency than paving-grade bitumen.
The numbers are the midpoints of the grade’s two key specifications. 85 is the midpoint of the softening point range of 80–90 °C (ASTM D36). 35 is the midpoint of the penetration range of 30–40, in units of 0.1 mm at 25 °C (ASTM D5).
It is mainly used in roofing, waterproofing, pipe coating and bituminous paints. It is also used in mastics, sealants, joint fillers and adhesives for bonding insulation boards. Its balance of hardness and flexibility makes it well suited to moderate climates.
All three grades share a softening point range centred on 85 °C, but they differ in penetration. 85/25 is harder, with lower penetration. 85/40 is softer and more flexible, with higher penetration. 85/35 sits between the two. The right choice depends on the application and the climate.
Raha Oil supplies Oxidized Bitumen 85/35 in four packing types:
- 20 kg and 50 kg Kraft paper bags
- 20 kg and 50 kg polyamide bags
- 25 kg carton boxes
- 150 kg, 180 kg and 200 kg steel drums
Bags can be palletised or shipped loose in 20ft containers.
We ship from Jebel Ali, Dubai, UAE, on FOB basis. Other Incoterms are available on request. We export to buyers across the Middle East, Africa, and South and Southeast Asia.
Every shipment includes a Certificate of Analysis (COA), Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), packing list and Certificate of Origin. Other documents can be arranged on request.
Do not heat Oxidized Bitumen 85/35 above 230 °C. Break the material into smaller pieces before melting and heat it gradually. This prevents localised overheating, which can release flammable vapours and change the product’s properties.
| Property | Test Method | Unit | Specification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specific Gravity @ 25/25 °C | ASTM D70 | — | 1.05 approx. |
| Penetration @ 25 °C100 g, 5 s | ASTM D5 | 0.1 mm | 30 – 40 |
| Softening PointRing & Ball | ASTM D36 | °C | 80 – 90 |
| Ductility @ 25 °C | ASTM D113 | cm | 1.5 min |
| Loss on Heating | ASTM D6 | wt % | 0.2 max |
| Flash PointCleveland Open Cup | ASTM D92 | °C | 250 min |
| Solubility in CS2 | ASTM D4 | wt % | 99.5 min |
| Spot Test | AASHTO T102 | — | Negative |
Why Choose Raha Oil for Oxidized Bitumen 85/35
Raha Oil manufactures Oxidized Bitumen 85/35 from Dubai, UAE, with production and testing following ASTM standards. Quality is verified through internal testing before every shipment, with full documentation — including TDS, COA, and MSDS — provided on request.
With flexible packing — from 20 kg Kraft bags to 200 kg steel drums, including palletized options — and an established export track record across the GCC, Africa, and Asia, Raha Oil supports both trial orders and large-scale industrial supply requirements for this specialized hard grade.
Get Oxidized Bitumen Export Quote
Looking for a reliable Oxidized Bitumen supplier in UAE?
RAHA Oil provides competitive FOB and CFR export prices for Blown Asphalt with worldwide shipment support from Jebel Ali ports.
- SGS Inspection Available
- Worldwide Export Support
Contact our export team today for updated prices and shipment schedules.
