Cutback Bitumen (aka Liquid Bitumen) is Bitumen that is dissolved in a solvent. Typical solvents used in Iran to produce cutback bitumen are Naptha, gasoline and kerosene and white spirit.
The type of solvent controls the curing time while the amount determines the viscosity of the Cutback Bitumen. It is used for better adherence of soil and asphalt and it is categorized based on its viscosity grade. MC250 bitumen viscosity is between 250 – 500 CST.
Bitumen is ‘cutback’ by adding controlled amounts of petroleum distillates such as kerosene. This is done to reduce the viscosity of the bitumen temporarily so it can penetrate pavements more effectively or to allow spraying at temperatures that are too cold for successful sprayed sealing with neat bitumen. The materials used to cutback bitumen will evaporate after application to leave the remaining material similar in hardness to the original bitumen.
Applications of Cutback Bitumen in Bituminous (asphalt) Pavement Construction and Maintenance:
1. Prime and Tack Coating
The process of priming involves applying a low viscosity binder to a prepared but usually unbound aggregate base. It is intended to be absorbed by the top layers of the base and provide a surface more easily ‘wetted’ by a subsequent bituminous covering. The primer will be able to carry traffic for a short time (although this practice is uncommon) and help control dust. Generally, primers are applied at rates between 0.5 and 1.4 L/m2. Cutback bitumens suitable for priming are also used for tack coats, which are applied to an underlying surface to help with the adhesion of subsequent asphalt layer. A typical application rate is between 0.2 and 0.4 L/m2.
2. Prime Sealing
Where temperatures are too cool for an effective priming operation, or where traffic is likely to upset a primed surface before the final seal can be sprayed, a primer seal can be used to give adequate protection of the pavement for periods of up to 6 to 12 months. Cutback bitumens suitable for primer sealing can also be used in the manufacture of pre-mix asphalt, which is used in patch repairs.
3. Spray Sealing
Cutback bitumens are used extensively in sprayed sealing applications, particularly in cooler weather where they provide improved initial stone retention due to their lower viscosity. Typically, a single application of the appropriate cutback bitumen is sprayed onto the primed pavement onto which aggregate is laid.
Cutback Bitumens are packed in new steel drums (183kg or 150kg)