Rubberized Bitumen (Rubberised Asphalt, Bitumen Rubber)
Introduction to Rubberized Bitumen
Rubberized bitumen is a high-performance, flexible asphalt mixture created by blending bitumen with recycled rubber—typically from used tires. This eco-friendly material improves the durability, elasticity, and thermal resistance of asphalt, making it ideal for demanding infrastructure projects. The use of rubberized bitumen reduces landfill waste while delivering superior performance in road construction, waterproofing, and industrial sealing.
What is Rubberized Bitumen?
Rubberized bitumen is a bituminous composition blended with non-mineral aggregates and recycled rubber, offering high flexibility, resilience, and a specific gravity below 1.5. It can be molded into paving blocks and stored for later use, typically applied with adhesives to various surfaces.
Rubber is incorporated into molten bitumen at temperatures above 250°F, where it is vigorously agitated. Latex is added to achieve at least 2% rubber content, preferably around 5% by weight, creating a stable and foam-resistant mixture.
Applications of Rubberized Bitumen
- Protective coating over metal and timber surfaces
- Roofing and membrane repair
- Water tanks and water storage areas
- Fish ponds and stock troughs
- Planter boxes and garden beds
- External cellars and basement walls
- Retaining walls and underground surfaces
How to Produce Rubberized Bitumen
Typical rubber scrap used in production includes tire tread buffings and mat scrap, ground to specific mesh sizes (e.g., 100% passing through 4 mesh, 90% through 6 mesh, etc.). A 50/50 blend of different scrap types reduces voids and improves strength.
The rubberized bitumen must be fluid at 300–400°F to allow uniform dispersion of rubber particles. These are blended using industrial mixers like Banbury or pug mills. The ideal ratio is 40–50 parts bitumen to 100 parts rubber, depending on the required load-bearing performance. For highly active rubber, higher percentages with vulcanized rubber networks may be used.
Packing of Rubberized Bitumen
Standard packaging includes 25 kg bags. However, it can also be supplied in drums, jumbo bags, or bulk based on customer requirements.