Introduction
As a leading bitumen supplier in the UAE, Raha Oil produces and exports Oxidized Bitumen 150/5 one of the hardest grades in the Oxidized Bitumen category to industrial customers across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Manufactured by directing hot air through Bitumen 60/70 under strictly controlled conditions, this extremely hard grade is engineered for demanding applications such as roofing, pipe coating, and electrical insulation where high softening point and rigidity matter most. Whether you need drums, Kraft bags, or carton box packing, Raha Oil delivers consistent, ASTM-tested Oxidized Bitumen 150/5 backed by quality documentation for every shipment.
Description of Oxidized Bitumen 150/5
Oxidized Bitumen 150/5, also known as Blown Bitumen 150/5 or R150/5, is one of the hardest grades in the Oxidized Bitumen category, with a high softening point and low penetration value. It is produced by directing very hot air through pure Bitumen Penetration 60/70 in a reactor under strictly controlled temperature and pressure, transforming it into this extremely hard, semi-solid grade.
The grade designation “150/5” refers to a softening point of approximately 150°C and a penetration value of 5 (tenths of a millimeter). Production and testing follow international ASTM standards specifically ASTM D36 for softening point and ASTM D5 for penetration.
As a semi-solid oxidized grade of pure petroleum bitumen, Oxidized Bitumen 150/5 is hard and breakable at room temperature. Before use, it should be heated to double the temperature of its softening point (200–300°C) to achieve proper flow and viscosity. Heating is typically arranged through hot oil circulation within an insulated jacket to ensure even, controlled heat distribution.
Applications of Oxidized Bitumen 150/5
Oxidized Bitumen 150/5 has increased rubber-like properties compared to lower grades due to its unique oxidation process, giving it a wide range of industrial applications:
Roofing and Waterproofing: Used in manufacturing roofing membranes, roofing felts, and waterproofing materials, forming a durable, weather-resistant layer that protects against moisture.
Pipe Coating: Applied in the oil and gas industry as a protective coating for pipes, providing corrosion resistance and insulation against environmental factors.
Electrical Applications: Used as a sealant for cable coating and joint protection in electrical installations.
Joint Filling and Sealing: Used in joint fillers for construction, sealing joints and gaps in structures while providing flexibility and preventing water penetration.
Soundproofing: Used in soundproofing materials for buildings and infrastructure, helping absorb sound and reduce noise transmission.
Adhesives and Sealants: Acts as a binder in adhesives and sealants across various industrial applications.
Paints and Coatings: Used in some paint and coating formulations to enhance weather resistance and durability, including asphalt-based paints for corrosion protection of metals.
Textile and Paper Industry: Used as a raw material in paper-pulp-board production and textile processing.
Other Industrial Uses: Applied in lining public works structures, as an adhesive in electrical laminates, as a base for synthetic turf, and in the manufacture of rubber and plastic products.
Before application, Oxidized Grade Bitumen should be broken into small pieces and heated slowly to an application temperature of 220–230°C. The specific use of Oxidized Bitumen 150/5 can vary based on regional specifications, climate conditions, and project requirements.
Oxidized Bitumen 150/5 vs. Other Oxidized Grades
Oxidized Bitumen 150/5 is one of the hardest and highest-softening-point grades in the Oxidized Bitumen range, with a softening point of 145–155°C compared to softer grades like 85/25 (85°C) or 95/25 (95°C). This makes it significantly more rigid and heat-resistant, but also more brittle at room temperature its low ductility (1.5 cm minimum) means it must be handled and heated with more care than softer oxidized grades.
This extreme hardness makes Oxidized Bitumen 150/5 the preferred choice for applications requiring maximum heat resistance and minimal deformation, such as high-temperature pipe coating and specialized roofing systems, where softer grades would be unsuitable.
Why Oxidized Bitumen 150/5 Requires Careful Handling
Because of its very low ductility and high softening point, Oxidized Bitumen 150/5 is hard and breakable at room temperature. Unlike softer bitumen grades, it cannot simply be melted with direct heat — it requires controlled heating, typically through hot oil circulation within an insulated jacket, to reach the double-temperature range (200–300°C) needed for proper flow and application. This makes it essential to follow manufacturer heating guidelines closely to avoid material degradation or safety hazards.
Common Industries Using Oxidized Bitumen 150/5
Oxidized Bitumen 150/5 is widely used across the roofing and waterproofing industry, oil and gas pipeline coating, electrical cable insulation, and construction adhesives manufacturing. Its high rigidity and heat resistance also make it a preferred raw material for bitumen-based paints and specialized industrial coatings where standard penetration-grade bitumen would be too soft.
Compatibility with Polymers and Additives
Oxidized Bitumen 150/5 can be blended with polymers such as SBS, APP, or EVA to produce modified bitumen membranes with enhanced elasticity and crack resistance. This makes it suitable for waterproofing membranes, expansion joint sealing, and bridge deck coating applications.
Quality Control and Testing Standards
In addition to ASTM D36 (softening point) and ASTM D5 (penetration), Oxidized Bitumen 150/5 quality can also be verified against equivalent European and international standards, including EN 1426 and EN 1427 for penetration and softening point testing, and ISO 4625 for Ring and Ball softening point testing.
Additional Safety Precautions During Heating
Use infrared thermometers for real-time temperature monitoring during melting to prevent overheating. Indirect hot-oil heating systems are recommended over open-flame heating, and adequate local ventilation should be provided to manage fumes during application.
Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ
Oxidized Bitumen 150/5 is one of the hardest oxidized grades, used mainly in roofing, waterproofing, pipe coating, electrical cable insulation, and as a raw material for bitumen-based paints and adhesives.
Oxidized Bitumen 150/5 has a softening point of 145–155°C and a penetration value of 4–6 (0.1 mm), as confirmed by ASTM D36 and ASTM D5 testing.
It should be broken into small pieces and heated slowly to an application temperature of 220–230°C, ideally using indirect hot-oil heating systems with real-time temperature monitoring to prevent overheating.
Raha Oil supplies Oxidized Bitumen 150/5 in 150, 180, and 200 kg steel drums, 20 and 50 kg Kraft paper or polyamide bags, and 25 kg carton boxes.
Oxidized Bitumen 150/5 — Technical Data Sheet
ASTM Standard| Property | Test Method | Unit | Specification | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Specific Gravity @ 25/25°C | ASTM D70 | kg/cm³ | 1.05 approx | |
| Penetration @ 25°C | ASTM D5 | 0.1 mm | 4–6 | |
| Softening Point | ASTM D36 | °C | 145–155 | |
| Ductility @ 25°C | ASTM D113 | cm | 1.5 min | |
| Loss on Heating (wt) | ASTM D6 | % | 0.2 max | |
| Flash Point | ASTM D92 | °C | 250 min | |
| Solubility in CS2 (wt) | ASTM D4 | % | 99.5 max | |
| Spot Test | AASHTO T102 | – | Negative | |
Why Choose Raha Oil for Oxidized Bitumen 150/5
RAHA Oil manufactures Oxidized Bitumen 150/5 from Jebel Ali, UAE, with production and testing following ASTM D36 and ASTM D5 standards. Quality is verified through internal testing before every shipment, with documentation available on request.
With flexible packing — from 20 kg Kraft bags to 200 kg steel drums — and an established export track record, 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 Oxidized Bitumen 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.
