Polymer Modified Bitumen (PMB)

Polymer Modified Bitumen (PMB) is used to enhance the quality of bitumen emulsion. Certain polymers or additives are added in the original bitumen mix to inculcate additional binding qualities. The addition alters the chemical configuration and/or physical/ mechanical properties of the original bitumen in order to improve its resistance power to weather conditions or change in temperature. In actual, it alters its elasto viscous behavior of the bitumen to tolerate high stress.

Use of PMB in road construction ensures smooth transportation of heavy loaded vehicles. Due to the fact that these are equipped with amazing resistant qualities i.e. water repellent, heat resistant, crack resistant etc. which makes it perfect for increased road durability.
Application of PMB

Robust road development, construction and maintenance for sustainingheavy vehicular movement and high volume of traffic
Binding layer in sealing cracks of increased stressed pavements
High loading Runway for airfield, airplanes, fighter jets, etc
Roads at higher altitudes experiencing very low temperatures
Remote areas
Most suitable in heavy rainfall areas due to increased water resistance
Improved binder adhesion
Increase in softening point and lesser brittleness improves its heat resistance
Improved fatigue & rutting resistance
It allows resistance to stripping and cracking

Types of PMB in accordance with certified international standards

PMB 120

It is suitable for cold climatic places where temperature is below 10 Degree Celsius

PMB 70

Is apt for moderate climatic places where temperature is from 10 to -10 Degree Celsius

PMB 45

It is best for areas having hot climate and where temperature is above 10 Degree Celsius

POLYMER MODIFIED BITUMEN SPECIFICATION

POLYMER MODIFIED BITUMEN SPECIFICATION
S.No.	Characteristic	Plastomeric Thermoplastic Based – Type A			Elastomeric Thermoplastic Based – Type B			CODE
S.No.	Characteristic	PMB – P – 120	PMB – P – 70	PMB – P – 40	PMB – E – 120	PMB – E – 70	PMB – E – 40	CODE
1.	Penetration at 25°C, 0.1 mm, 100g, 5s.	90-150	50-90				30-50	IS 15462 – 2004
2.	Softening Point, (R&B), °C, Min.	50	55				60	IS 15462 – 2004
3.	Fraass breaking point, °C, Max.	-20	-16				-12	IS 15462 – 2004
4.	Flash point, COC, °C, Min.	220	220	220	220	220	220	IS 15462 – 2004
5.	Elastic recovery of half thread in ductilometer at 15°C, % Min.	50	40	30	70	70	70	IS 15462 – 2004
6.	Separation, difference in softning point, R&B, °C, Max.	3	3	3	3	3	3	IS 15462 – 2004
7.	Viscosity at 150°C, Poise.	1 to 3	2 to 6	3 to 9	1 to 3	2 to 6	3 to 9	IS 15462 – 2004
8.	Thin film oven tests and test on residue.	–	–	–	–	–	–	IS 15462 – 2004
	(a) Loss in mass, %, Max.	1.0	1.0	1.0	1.0	1.0	1.0	IS 15462 – 2004
	(b) Increasing in softning point, °C, Max.	7	6	5	7	6	5	IS 15462 – 2004
	(c) Reduction in penetration of residue at 25°C, % Max.	35	35	35	35	35	35	IS 15462 – 2004
	(d) Elastic recovery of half thread in ductilometer at 25°C, % Min.	35	35	35	50	50	50	IS 15462 – 2004