Menu
If you are looking for a balanced asphalt binder that offers flexibility, durability, and predictable performance, Bitumen AH 90 is one of the most reliable options in the Chinese penetration grading system. This grade is widely used in road construction, asphalt plants, and infrastructure projects that require medium penetration, good adhesion to aggregates, and consistent viscosity during heating and mixing. Contractors prefer it because it handles traffic loads well, adapts to moderate climates, and performs smoothly in standard asphalt production lines.
In simple words,Bitumen AH 90 is a penetration-grade asphalt binder produced under Chinese standards. It is softer than AH 70 but harder than very high-penetration grades. That balance makes it suitable for highways, urban roads, base layers, and even some waterproofing systems.
Let’s break it down in a practical, real-world way.
Table of Contents
ToggleThe “AH” classification comes from the Chinese bitumen grading system. The number “90” refers to the penetration range measured in 0.1 mm units under standard testing conditions (25°C, 100g load, 5 seconds).
In daily project terms:
It is a medium-soft grade.
It offers good flexibility against cracking.
It still maintains enough stiffness to resist rutting under traffic.
Compared with harder grades like bitumen ah 70, AH 90 provides more flexibility in cooler climates or areas where slight temperature variation occurs. This makes it attractive for regions where extreme heat is not constant but structural reliability is still critical.
From practical supply experience, Bitumen AH 90 is widely demanded in:
Highway construction
Urban asphalt pavements
Industrial road networks
Base and binder courses
Airport secondary pavements
Asphalt mixing plants
In many export markets, contractors ask specifically for chinese grade ah 90 because their project specifications follow Chinese standards or because they are working with Chinese EPC contractors.
In large infrastructure projects, consistency matters more than marketing claims. Engineers want a binder that behaves predictably during heating, mixing, and compaction. AH 90 meets that expectation.
After years of supplying different penetration grades, one thing is clear: buyers do not just look at penetration value. They evaluate performance stability.
Here is why Bitumen AH 90 remains popular:
It melts smoothly without sudden viscosity drop. That means:
Easier pumping
Controlled mixing
Reduced temperature stress on equipment
It absorbs minor structural movement and thermal stress better than harder grades.
When mixed with quality aggregates, it creates strong bonding that reduces stripping.
Reputable refiners maintain strict QC processes, ensuring batch-to-batch stability.
Bitumen AH 90 performs best in:
Moderate climates
Regions with mild winters
Areas without extreme high-temperature exposure
In very hot zones, engineers may prefer harder grades to avoid rutting. However, in balanced temperature regions, AH 90 delivers long-term pavement stability.
Compared to penetration bitumen 80/100, AH 90 offers similar flexibility but follows Chinese testing standards and specification methods. This is important when a project requires compliance with Chinese norms instead of ASTM or EN standards.
Bitumen AH 90 is produced from vacuum bottom residue during crude oil refining. The refining process includes:
Atmospheric distillation
Vacuum distillation
Controlled air blowing (if required for adjustment)
Filtration and quality testing
Every batch undergoes penetration, softening point, ductility, flash point, and solubility testing.
Quality suppliers never ship material without laboratory approval and COA documentation.
Professional buyers always request a Certificate of Analysis (COA). Typical quality control checks include:
Penetration at 25°C
Softening point (Ring & Ball)
Ductility at 15°C or 25°C
Flash point
Loss on heating
Solubility in trichloroethylene
These parameters ensure the material meets Chinese national standards for Bitumen AH 90 grade.
When evaluating a Bitumen AH 90 supplier, always check:
Refinery origin
Lab accreditation
Independent inspection availability
Loading supervision
Batch traceability
AH 90 can be supplied in multiple packaging formats:
Most common export format
Easy handling
Suitable for container shipping
Ideal for large volume projects
Reduced packaging cost
Suitable for tanker vessels
Cost-effective for high-volume buyers
Efficient for containerized liquid transport
Each packaging method affects total logistics cost and final landed price.
Bitumen AH 90 must be stored correctly to maintain performance:
Keep away from direct water exposure
Store in dry, ventilated area
Heat gradually (avoid sudden temperature increase)
Maintain recommended heating temperature (typically 150–170°C for application)
Overheating can cause aging and reduce ductility.
Proper storage ensures the binder retains its designed performance characteristics.
From plant operation experience, AH 90 behaves predictably during mixing.
Advantages in mixing:
Stable viscosity window
Good coating over aggregates
Reduced foaming
Smooth compaction
Contractors report fewer mixing inconsistencies compared to unstable or off-spec materials.
This reduces waste and improves pavement uniformity.
When buyers ask about bitumen price, the answer always depends on several variables:
Crude oil fluctuations
Refinery supply capacity
Seasonal demand
Freight rates
Packaging method
Port availability
AH 90 price trends often follow global oil movement. However, regional demand from large infrastructure projects can also influence short-term supply conditions.
Serious buyers monitor market timing carefully before confirming bulk contracts.
Although both are Chinese penetration grades, there are clear differences:
| Property | AH 90 | AH 70 |
|---|---|---|
| Penetration | Higher | Lower |
| Hardness | Softer | Harder |
| Flexibility | Better | Moderate |
| Rut Resistance | Moderate | Higher |
Projects requiring slightly more flexibility may choose AH 90 over bitumen ah 70. Meanwhile, heavier traffic roads in hot climates may favor AH 70.
Selection always depends on engineering design and climate conditions.
AH 90 is widely exported to:
Southeast Asia
Africa
Central Asia
Middle East
Some Eastern European countries
Chinese contractors operating overseas frequently request this specific grade to maintain uniformity with domestic project specifications.
Yes, especially in moderate climate regions with controlled traffic loads.
Primarily it is designed for road construction, but certain industrial uses are possible depending on project design.
If properly stored and sealed, it can maintain quality for extended periods without performance degradation.
It follows Chinese national specifications. Buyers should verify project requirement compatibility before procurement.
If you are sourcing Bitumen AH 90 for a project:
Request updated COA.
Confirm penetration and softening point values.
Verify loading temperature control.
Ask for third-party inspection if volume is large.
Compare suppliers not only by price but by reliability.
The cheapest offer is not always the safest option in large infrastructure projects.
A reliable Bitumen AH 90 supplier provides more than material. They provide:
Technical support
Transparent documentation
Stable quality
On-time shipment
Flexible packaging options
In infrastructure projects, delay costs more than small price differences.
Bitumen AH 90 stands as a dependable Chinese penetration grade designed for balanced road performance. It offers flexibility, durability, and stable workability in asphalt production. Its consistent laboratory specifications and widespread international acceptance make it a strong option for contractors and infrastructure developers.
Whether your project is a highway, an industrial road, or a municipal paving system, Bitumen AH 90 can deliver reliable results when sourced from a trusted supplier and handled correctly.
In road construction, quality decisions today determine pavement life tomorrow. Choosing the right grade — and the right partner — makes all the difference.