Bitumen MC250 – Heavy-Duty Medium-Curing Binder for Maximum Road Durability

Bitumen MC250 is a high-viscosity, medium-curing cutback bitumen formulated for projects that demand superior adhesion, deeper penetration, and long-term durability. With a slower curing profile than lighter grades such as MC70, MC250 cutback bitumen provides extended working time, ensuring that aggregates are fully coated and bonded before setting. This makes it particularly suitable for highways, industrial roads, and projects exposed to extreme climate conditions.

By combining controlled curing with high binder strength, Bitumen MC250 delivers a balance of resilience and flexibility that contractors require for reliable pavement foundations.

Engineering Highlights of MC250

The defining characteristics of Bitumen MC250 include:

• Curing Rate: Slower than MC70, allowing deeper penetration into compacted road bases.

• Viscosity at 60°C: Ranges between 250–500 cSt, offering controlled flow and workability.

• Residue by Distillation: 60–70%, producing a strong binder film after solvent evaporation.

• Penetration of Residue (25°C): 70–100 dmm, ensuring flexibility against cracking.

• Flash Point: Above 40°C, meeting international safety standards for cutback binders.

These technical values comply with ASTM D2027 and AASHTO M82 specifications, making MC250 cutback bitumen a reliable solution for high-performance road construction.

Performance Characteristics

1. Slower Curing Speed
   Provides engineers with sufficient working time for uniform distribution and penetration into dense bases, reducing the risk of premature setting.

2. High Residual Binder Strength
   Leaves a thick, elastic asphalt film that improves structural durability and resists deformation under stress.

3. Load-Bearing Capacity
   Designed to withstand industrial traffic, heavy axle loads, and continuous vehicle stress.

4. Moisture Resistance
   Maintains adhesion even in humid or coastal climates, minimizing aggregate stripping.

5. Versatile Functionality
   Suitable for new construction, preventive maintenance, and heavy-duty industrial stabilization.

Where MC250 Delivers Best

Bitumen MC250 is applied in a range of demanding projects where performance cannot be compromised:

• Prime Coating for Dense Bases: Creates a strong bond layer between compacted aggregates and asphalt overlays.

• Surface Dressing in High-Traffic Areas: Provides skid resistance and a waterproof seal for highways and urban roads.

• Industrial Pavement Stabilization: Effective for mining roads, storage yards, and port facilities where heavy equipment operates.

• Preventive Road Maintenance: Reinforces older pavements before overlay, reducing long-term rehabilitation costs.

• Dust Control in Heavy Equipment Zones: Stabilizes unpaved industrial access roads, improving safety and reducing wear.

Controlled Production and Quality Testing

The manufacturing of MC250 cutback bitumen involves precision blending and strict testing:

• Base Bitumen Selection: Only high-quality penetration grade bitumen is used.

• Solvent Blending: Medium-curing petroleum distillates with slower evaporation rates are incorporated to achieve optimal viscosity.

• Temperature-Controlled Mixing: Ensures uniform solvent distribution without premature loss.

• Laboratory Testing: Each batch undergoes ASTM/AASHTO testing for viscosity, flash point, penetration, and residue content.

• Secure Packaging: Final product is sealed in drums or bulk tanks to preserve stability during storage and transport.

Packaging and International Supply Options

Basekim supplies Bitumen MC250 in multiple formats designed for flexibility and global delivery:

• Steel Drums: 185–200 kg net weight, corrosion-protected.

• Bulk Tanker Shipments: Suitable for large-scale infrastructure and industrial projects.

• IBC Containers: Controlled dispensing for specialized uses.

• Custom Packaging: Available on request to meet specific client requirements.

Through Basekim’s global logistics network, MC250 cutback bitumen is shipped worldwide under FOB, CIF, or EXW terms with complete documentation, including MSDS, quality certificates, and compliance records.

Safety and Environmental Guidance

Handling Bitumen MC250 requires adherence to international safety protocols:

• Store in sealed containers, away from flames and direct heat.

• Use protective gloves, eyewear, and clothing during application.

• Ensure proper ventilation when applying in enclosed environments.

• Follow local and international transport regulations for petroleum-based products.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can oxidized bitumen substitute MC250 for road priming?
No. Oxidized bitumen is formulated for sealing and waterproofing, while MC250 cutback bitumen is engineered for deep penetration and road bonding.

Q2: How does MC250 compare in flexibility to oxidized binders?
Bitumen MC250 retains flexibility after curing, while oxidized grades are rigid and less adaptable to road stress.

Q3: Is blending MC250 with oxidized bitumen recommended?
Rarely, since their engineering purposes differ and blending can reduce performance efficiency.

Q4: What about shelf life?
MC250 cutback bitumen requires sealed storage due to volatile solvents. Oxidized grades generally last longer because they contain no solvents.