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Oxidized bitumen 150/5 is a hard, air-blown asphalt grade with a high softening point (around 150°C) and very low penetration (around 5 dmm). In simple words, it is a tough, heat-resistant bitumen designed for heavy industrial waterproofing, roofing membranes, pipe coating, battery sealing, and insulation applications. It solves one main problem: deformation under high temperature. If your project faces hot climates, mechanical stress, or needs dimensional stability, this grade gives you strength, structure, and long-term performance.
Let’s break it down in a practical, experience-based way.
Oxidized bitumen 150/5, also called blown bitumen 150/5, is produced by blowing air through hot penetration grade bitumen under controlled temperature. During this controlled oxidation process, the molecular structure changes. The result is a harder material with:
Compared to softer grades, this product behaves more like a solid structural binder rather than a flexible paving binder.
The number 150/5 means:
This combination makes it ideal for applications where shape retention is critical.
The production process starts with penetration grade feedstock such as bitumen 60/70. This base material is heated to around 240–300°C in a reactor. Then air is injected from the bottom.
During air blowing:
The reaction is carefully controlled to reach the target softening point and penetration.
Timing is everything. Over-blowing makes the material too brittle. Under-blowing reduces heat resistance. Experienced production control is critical to achieve a consistent 150/5 grade.
In real industrial environments, this grade is selected for one reason: thermal stability.
When surfaces are exposed to:
Softer bitumen may flow or deform. But oxidized 150/5 holds its shape.
If you need dimensional stability more than flexibility, this is your grade.
High softening point means the membrane will not sag in hot climates. In Middle East, Africa, or southern Europe projects, this matters.
It is often used in:
In oil & gas pipelines, coating systems need to resist:
Oxidized bitumen 150/5 provides a strong protective barrier when combined with fiber or polymer reinforcement.
This grade is widely used in:
Its low penetration ensures structural stability.
Due to its hardness and bonding properties, it is blended into industrial adhesive formulations where structural integrity is required.
Let’s understand where it stands.
| Grade | Softening Point | Penetration | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60/70 | ~48–52°C | 60–70 | Road paving |
| 115/15 | ~115°C | 15 | Waterproofing |
| 150/5 | ~150°C | 5 | High-heat industrial use |
The difference is clear. 150/5 is significantly harder and more heat resistant.
While penetration grades are designed for flexible pavement, oxidized 150/5 is designed for structural sealing and protection.
Typical properties of oxidized bitumen 150/5:
This is not meant to stretch. It is meant to stay firm.
Working with this grade requires proper temperature management.
160–200°C (avoid overheating)
Overheating may cause oxidation beyond specification and performance changes.
Depending on buyer requirements:
For export, steel drums remain most common.
In hot regions, surface temperatures may exceed 70–80°C. Softer bitumen materials can deform.
Oxidized bitumen 150/5 maintains shape under these conditions.
That’s why it is preferred in:
Heat resistance directly impacts service life.
Industrial buyers often search for:
Many procurement managers also compare it with alternatives such as natural asphalt, especially when looking for high hardness solutions. However, oxidized grades provide more controlled and uniform properties compared to natural sources.
Another frequent concern is bitumen price, which fluctuates depending on crude oil markets, feedstock availability, and shipping cost. Since 150/5 requires additional processing, it is generally priced higher than penetration grades.
Every batch should be tested for:
Professional suppliers perform in-house lab tests and provide COA (Certificate of Analysis) before shipment.
Consistency is critical. Industrial buyers cannot accept variation in softening point because it directly affects product performance.
No. It is designed to be hard and stable. If flexibility is required, a lower softening point grade should be selected.
Yes. It can be blended with polymers, fillers, or additives to adjust performance.
Yes. It has excellent water resistance and is widely used in waterproofing systems.
However, it is not suitable for flexible pavement.
Oxidized bitumen 150/5 is not an everyday paving binder. It is a specialized industrial material designed for high-temperature stability and structural sealing applications.
If your project requires:
Then this grade is the right solution.
Understanding your application is key. For roofing membranes, pipe coating, insulation systems, or industrial sealing, oxidized 150/5 provides the strength that softer grades cannot deliver.
Choosing the correct bitumen grade is not about hardness alone. It is about matching material performance with operational conditions.
And when temperature resistance matters, oxidized bitumen 150/5 stands at the top of the list.