{"id":406,"date":"2024-04-27T18:40:23","date_gmt":"2024-04-27T14:10:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iranetrade.com\/blog\/?p=406"},"modified":"2025-04-21T10:21:27","modified_gmt":"2025-04-21T06:51:27","slug":"performance-grade-bitumen-what-is-pg-bitumen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/iranetrade.com\/blog\/performance-grade-bitumen\/","title":{"rendered":"Performance Grade Bitumen: What is PG bitumen?"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

Performance grade bitumen<\/strong><\/em>, which is also called PG bitumen is a type of bitumen <\/strong><\/em><\/a>that manufacturers grade based on its performance at special conditions. The manufacturers<\/em> <\/strong>perform this grading based on understanding bitumen\u2019s behaviour and its performance characteristics. Therefore, they assess bitumen\u2019s behaviour<\/em><\/strong> and determine the types of PG bitumen. In this article, we will explain pg grade meaning<\/em><\/strong>, different types of PG bitumen, its price and buying tips.<\/p>\r\n

What is performance grade bitumen?<\/h2>\r\n

The manufacturers categorize PG bitumen<\/em><\/strong> based on its performance at high temperatures. This type of bitumen is very resistant to heavy traffic<\/em><\/strong>, especially in warm climates. The high-temperature tests evaluate the resistance of PG bitumen<\/em><\/strong> to rutting and deformation. In contrast, low-temperature testing assesses PG bitumen\u2019s cracking<\/em><\/strong> and hardness at low temperatures. (Click to know Bitumen in Road Construction<\/strong><\/em><\/a>.)<\/p>\r\n

Performance grade bitumen<\/em><\/strong> provides a more precise and reliable technique for creating asphalt pavings that can endure high temperatures and heavy traffic.<\/blockquote>\r\n

\"What<\/p>\r\n

How to determine pg grade of asphalt<\/h2>\r\n

Experts test a sample of bitumen<\/strong><\/em> and study it from a rheological standpoint at different temperatures and shear rates to determine its high temperature. Then, they repeat these tests to specify bitumen’s stress and strain<\/em><\/strong> in different traffic conditions and temperatures. The results of these tests show a high temperature<\/em><\/strong> which is between 16 and 46. The higher temperatures also imply the enhanced performance of bitumen. Also, the experts perform the low-temperature testing of PG bitumen<\/em><\/strong> by testing a sample of bitumen at low temperatures<\/em><\/strong> to determine its hardness and resistance to cracking. The results of these tests determine the low temperature of bitumen<\/em> <\/strong>which is between minus 20 to minus 76 Celsius. The lower amounts of temperature imply enhanced performance of bitumen<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n

(Click to learn about Penetration Grade Bitumen<\/strong><\/em><\/a>)<\/p>\r\n

If you are interested in purchasing performance grade bitumen<\/em><\/strong> and to have more information about PG bitumen\u2019s price, contact us at Iran ETrade Inc.<\/blockquote>\r\n

Production of performance grade bitumen<\/h2>\r\n

As an asphalt binder<\/em><\/strong>, PG bitumen is an essential substance in asphalt engineering and road construction. Compared to penetration bitumen, PG bitumen<\/em><\/strong> has advanced performance characteristics, which make it an excellent choice for building strong road surfaces. The production process of PG bitumen<\/em><\/strong> includes important steps such as distillation, air blowing, polymer modification<\/em><\/strong> and careful testing. In this section, we will explain more about this process.<\/p>\r\n

(Click to find out about the\u00a0Online<\/strong>\u00a0Bitumen Price<\/strong><\/em><\/a>.)<\/p>\r\n

The production of PG bitumen<\/em><\/strong> is a science that requires attention, advanced technology and an understanding of the properties of petroleum and polymers. Producing high quality performance grade bitumen<\/em><\/strong> plays an essential part in creating good infrastructures for roads and helps to produce safer and smoother trips.<\/blockquote>\r\n

\"Production<\/p>\r\n

1. Distillation<\/h3>\r\n

At first, the manufacturers heat petroleum<\/em> <\/strong>to 350 Celsius during an atmospheric distillation process. In this process, the lighter hydrocarbons evaporate. However, the heavier hydrocarbons<\/em> <\/strong>(also called raw materials or vacuum bottoms) remain in the container.<\/p>\r\n

(Click to learn more about\u00a0\u00a0Soft Bitumen<\/strong><\/em><\/a>.)<\/p>\r\n

2. Air blowing<\/h3>\r\n

At this stage of production, the manufacturers place the bitumen\u2019s raw materials<\/em><\/strong> into a bitumen-blowing unit. First, hot air will enter the blowing unit. Then, oxygen will react with the bitumen\u2019s raw materials<\/em><\/strong> and cause changes in the bitumen\u2019s physical properties. This process is often called oxidation<\/em> <\/strong>and will result in oxidized bitumen.<\/p>\r\n

(Click to learn about\u00a0bitumen producers in Iran<\/strong><\/em><\/a>.)<\/p>\r\n

3. Modifying polymer<\/h3>\r\n

To enhance the performance characteristics of bitumen<\/em><\/strong>, the manufacturers mix bitumen with special polymers. Some of the common polymers<\/em> <\/strong>used in this process are Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS) and Atactic polypropylene (APP). By including these polymers<\/em><\/strong>, the manufacturers can improve the bitumen\u2019s elastic and thermal properties<\/em><\/strong> and its resistance to deformation. \"3.<\/p>\r\n

4. Testing<\/h3>\r\n

At the final stage of PG bitumen production<\/em><\/strong>, the manufacturers perform comprehensive testing to confirm the required properties of bitumen<\/em><\/strong>. The manufacturers perform these tests to assess the bitumen’s rheological tests<\/em><\/strong> which cause the bitumen’s reaction to temperatures and different loading times. These properties also determine the performance grade of bitumen<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p>\r\n

(Click for more information about\u00a0anionic emulsion bitumen<\/strong><\/em><\/a>.)<\/p>\r\n

History of performance grade bitumen production<\/h2>\r\n

During the years 1987 to 1993, a research program in the United States was conducted to study the limitations of viscosity bitumen<\/strong><\/em> and penetration bitumen<\/em><\/strong>. The goal of this research program was to improve the performance, durability and safety of asphalt roads<\/em><\/strong> in the United States. Therefore, in this research program, the researchers evaluated the performance standards of bitumen<\/strong><\/em>. Consequently, the researchers imitated real-life asphalt conditions to increase the performance of produced bitumen<\/strong><\/em> during the tests. They also performed this to minimize the damages such as rutting and cracks at lower temperatures or asphalt fatigue<\/em><\/strong>. This provided an opportunity to predict the performance or behaviour of bitumen in asphalt<\/em><\/strong>. The final results of this testing became a system for analyzing the performance of bitumen<\/em><\/strong> by simulating the real-life conditions of performance grade bitumen<\/em><\/strong> in the labs. \"History<\/p>\r\n

Components of performance grade bitumen<\/h2>\r\n

The composition of PG bitumen<\/em><\/strong> depends on its intended use and performance requirements. By using different types of additives and modifiers, the manufacturers can formulate the bitumen<\/em> <\/strong>according to local climates and traffic. As a result, they can improve PG bitumen\u2019s performance. Essentially, performance grade bitumen<\/em><\/strong> is a petroleum-based bitumen which manufacturers refine and modify to meet certain performance requirements<\/em><\/strong>. Its\u2019 composing materials include: \"Components<\/p>\r\n

Base bitumen<\/h3>\r\n

Base bitumen<\/em><\/strong> is the main component of performance grade bitumen which is the result of petroleum distillation and has waterproofing adhesive qualities.<\/p>\r\n

Polymers<\/h3>\r\n

The manufacturers add polymers<\/em> <\/strong>such as Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS) and Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) to bitumen to enhance its performance characteristics. These polymer modifications will improve performance grade bitumen’s elasticity<\/em><\/strong> and resistance to rutting and cracks. \"Polymers\"<\/p>\r\n

Additives<\/h3>\r\n

The manufacturers use various additives to enhance PG bitumen\u2019s properties<\/em><\/strong>. These additives include adhesive enhancers to improve bitumen’s binding with aggregates<\/strong><\/em> and anti-stripping agents to prevent water damage to asphalt.<\/p>\r\n

Fillers<\/h3>\r\n

The manufacturers add mineral fillers such as hydrated lime or fly ash to mix with bitumen<\/em><\/strong>. Adding these fillers will improve bitumen\u2019s viscosity and hardness. It will also result in increasing PG bitumen\u2019s load-bearing ability<\/em><\/strong> of asphalt aggregates. \"Fillers\"<\/p>\r\n

Reclaimed asphalt pavement<\/h3>\r\n

The manufacturers can use the reclaimed asphalt pavement method for producing some of the performance grade bitumen products<\/em><\/strong>. They mostly use this method to add recyclability and stability to bitumen production<\/em><\/strong>. \"Reclaimed<\/p>\r\n

Crumb rubber<\/h3>\r\n

Crumb rubbers<\/em><\/strong> are produced from discarded tires and manufacturers often use them for producing rubber PG bitumen. Using crumb rubbers in PG bitumen<\/em><\/strong> improves the bitumen\u2019s flexibility, sound absorption and resistance to rutting and cracks.<\/p>\r\n

Types and grades of performance grade bitumen<\/h2>\r\n

As we explained, the manufacturers grade PG bitumen products<\/em><\/strong> based on their performance at different temperatures. The main goal of grading PG bitumen<\/em><\/strong> is to ensure that it will perform well under different environmental conditions. Therefore, the manufacturers categorize PG bitumen<\/em><\/strong> according to different weather conditions and traffic speeds. On this account, the PG bitumen system is a series of tests to measure bitumen\u2019s properties<\/em><\/strong> that can directly affect its field performance in pavings. \"Types<\/p>\r\n

The performance grade of bitumen<\/h3>\r\n

Performance grade bitumen<\/strong><\/em> has two categories: paving at high temperatures and paving at low temperatures. The main issue in testing the performance of bitumen at high temperatures is that bitumen rutting<\/em><\/strong> at high temperatures takes a long time. Therefore, the experts measure this temperature during a week and assume the highest temperature<\/em><\/strong> to be higher than the environmental temperature<\/em><\/strong>. On the other hand, there is the possibility of thermal cracking<\/em><\/strong> at low temperatures. But what is exactly the grading of bitumen\u2019s performance indicator<\/em><\/strong>? \"The<\/p>\r\n

PG 70-10<\/h3>\r\n

PG 10-70<\/strong><\/em> is a type of performance grade bitumen<\/em><\/strong> that manufacturers classify based on its performance at different temperatures. The PG system<\/em><\/strong> uses a series of normal tests to measure the physical properties of bitumen at paving temperatures and special traffic conditions to see if it will perform well at these special conditions. PG 10-70 bitumen<\/em><\/strong> is particularly useful in regions with hot summers and normal winters<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n

PG 68-22<\/h3>\r\n

Categorizing a bitumen<\/em><\/strong> based on performance allows the experts to choose suitable grading for its use in different environmental conditions. Therefore, PG 22-68<\/em><\/strong> is particularly useful in regions with hot summers and freezing winters. \"PG<\/p>\r\n

PG 64-22<\/h3>\r\n

For building high-quality road pavings, the manufacturers categorize bitumen based on their performance degree<\/em><\/strong>. They perform this categorization at different environmental temperatures so that the bitumen<\/em> <\/strong>can have the best performance in different regions. Based on this classification, PG 22-64<\/em><\/strong> is suitable for use in temperate climates and regions with very cold winters.<\/p>\r\n

If you’re interested in knowing PG bitumen’s price<\/em><\/strong>, you can contact us at IranETrade Inc.<\/blockquote>\r\n

PG 64-16<\/h3>\r\n

Experts assess PG 16-64<\/em><\/strong> based on its performance at various environmental temperatures. In this way, they can ensure that PG 16-64<\/em><\/strong> has the best performance. They also perform this categorization based on road traffic. The results of their tests show that PG 16-64<\/em><\/strong> is suitable for use in regions with temperate climates and cold winters<\/em><\/strong>. \"PG<\/p>\r\n

PG 64-10<\/h3>\r\n

The manufacturers also categorize PG 10-64<\/em><\/strong> based on its performance at different temperatures to ensure its best functioning in certain weather conditions and high-traffic areas. Therefore, PG 10-64<\/em><\/strong> is especially useful for regions with temperate climates.<\/p>\r\n

PG bitumen 58-22<\/h3>\r\n

Different categorizations of performance grade bitumen<\/em><\/strong> help road constructors choose a suitable bitumen for every different environment. As a result, this categorization will help increase the longevity and durability of bitumen<\/em><\/strong>. Based on this categorization, PG 22-58<\/em><\/strong> is useful in regions with very cold weather. \"PG<\/p>\r\n

Performance grade bitumen specification<\/h2>\r\n

Performance grade bitumen<\/strong><\/em> has various specifications which make it suitable for construction and different applications in the construction industry<\/em><\/strong>, some of which we will explain in this section.<\/p>\r\n

Understanding pg grade asphalt<\/strong><\/em> specification<\/em><\/strong>is necessary to choose suitable PG products for different applications because it will guarantee bitumen\u2019s best performance on roads<\/em><\/strong> and their durability. Therefore, you must consider PG bitumen\u2019s specifications and standards<\/em><\/strong> to determine its required properties based on your projects\u2019 demands and environmental conditions.<\/blockquote>\r\n

\"Performance<\/p>\r\n

Viscosity<\/h3>\r\n

Performance grade bitumen<\/strong><\/em> has a special range of viscosity which determines its flow rate at different temperatures. It also ensures bitumen\u2019s strong adhesion to aggregates<\/em><\/strong> during the mixing and compression process.<\/p>\r\n

Penetration<\/h3>\r\n

The penetration degree of bitumen<\/em><\/strong> is the depth of a standard needle that penetrates bitumen at certain conditions, temperatures and loading. Usually, this depth is 0.1 millimetres. The performance grade bitumen<\/em><\/strong> has a controlled penetration value which affects its consistency and ability to resist deformation under traffic loads<\/em><\/strong>. \"Penetration\"<\/p>\r\n

Softening point<\/h3>\r\n

The softening point of performance grade bitumen<\/em><\/strong> is the temperature at which bitumen reaches a specific degree of softening. The softening point is very important because it determines the bitumen’s resistance to deformation<\/em><\/strong> at different temperatures. It also helps specify the suitable bitumen for different climates<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n

Ductility<\/h3>\r\n

Ductility<\/strong> <\/em>is the PG bitumen\u2019s ability to stretch without breaking. Performance grade bitumen<\/em><\/strong> shows a special degree of ductility that is necessary to prevent cracks and ensure paving longevity<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n

Elastic recovery<\/h3>\r\n

Elastic recovery refers to performance grade bitumen\u2019s ability to return to its original form after stretching. This ability is very useful in paving because it allows the performance grade asphalt<\/strong><\/em> to bear constant traffic loads without permanent deformation. \"Elastic<\/p>\r\n

Rheological features<\/h3>\r\n

The experts perform rheological tests<\/em> on performance grade bitumen<\/em><\/strong> to assess its performance properties at different temperatures and loadings. These properties such as complex modulus and phase angles help determine the bitumen’s ability to resist rutting<\/strong><\/em>, fatigue and thermal cracks.<\/p>\r\n

Resistance to fatigue<\/h3>\r\n

The manufacturers produce performance grade bitumen<\/em><\/strong> in a way to resist fatigue from being exposed to air, water and sun. The formulation for PG bitumen<\/em><\/strong> includes additives that increase its longevity and prevent it from early deterioration.<\/p>\r\n

Technical properties of PG bitumen<\/h2>\r\n

Manufacturers produce and categorize performance grade bitumen<\/em><\/strong> (also known as asphalt binder) to resist various weather conditions and traffic loads. The specifications of PG bitumen<\/em><\/strong> products depend on their regional climates and the temperature of the location of use. The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials<\/em><\/strong> determine the technical specifications of PG bitumen products<\/em><\/strong> through the M320 standard and ensure their consistency and compatibility in different conditions. Some of the specifications of PG bitumen<\/em><\/strong> are: \"Technical<\/p>\r\n

Temperature grading<\/h3>\r\n

The manufacturers classify performance grade bitumen<\/em><\/strong> based on extreme local temperatures (both high and low). The high temperature, which is defined by the maximum average temperature for 7-day paving, shows bitumen\u2019s resistance to rutting<\/em><\/strong> or permanent deformation. Low temperatures, based on minimum paving temperature, show the bitumen\u2019s resistance to thermal cracks<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n

Polymer modification<\/h3>\r\n

If the performance grade asphalt binder<\/strong><\/em> contains polymers, it will have the letter \u201cS\u201d in its name (for instance, pg 58S-22). The modified polymer PG bitumen<\/em><\/strong> has enhanced elasticity, higher resistance to temperature and fatigue and improved adhesive qualities. \"Polymer<\/p>\r\n

Performance test<\/h3>\r\n

The performance tests for PG bitumen<\/em><\/strong> include:<\/p>\r\n