CutBack Bitumen / Liquid Bitumen


Cutback Bitumen ( Liquid Bitumen ) is Bitumen that is dissolved in a solvent . Typical solvents include Naptha, gasoline and kerosene, white spirit etc. The type of solvent controls the curing time while the amount determines the viscosity of the Cutback Bitumen.


The advantage Cutbacks have over Emulsions is a much higher residual Bitumen percent, typically over 80% compares with over 40-65% for Bitumen emulsions. The result is more Bitumen left on the roadway after curing, for the same volume of binder applied.


Packing
Standard Seaworthy Exportable Packing in200 Kg Reconditioned Drums
Palletizing is required for Cutback Bitumen & Emulsions -200kg drums shall be secured as 4 drums per pallet


Cutbacks are divided into three classifications, Rapid-Curing (RC) and Medium-Curing (MC) depending on the solvent used. They are further defined by a number which indicates the minimum kinematic viscosity (fluidity) of the cutback.

  • Rapid-Curing (RC) : The cutback bitumen is known as rapid-curing (RC) if the bitumen is solved in gasoline. The reason is that evaporation occurs quickly and the bitumen is deposited.
  • Medium-Curing (MC) : MC cutbacks are prepared by solving bitumen in kerosene which evaporates more slowly than gasoline.
  • Slow-Curing (SC) : Slow-curing cutback may be achieved from solving bitumen in gasoil or fuel oil or directly from distillation of crude oil.


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.