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Oxidised bitumen is not a road bitumen. It is an industrial product made by blowing hot air through bitumen: oxidation makes it harder, more heat-resistant and almost immune to creep. It is not used in asphalt mixes; it is used where the bitumen must stay in place — roofing, waterproofing membranes, insulation, industry.
How to read 85/25 and 115/15
The naming of oxidised bitumen is the reverse of road grades: the first number is the softening point (in °C), the second is the penetration (in tenths of a mm).
✓85/25 : softening point around 85 °C, penetration around 25. The most common oxidised grade.
✓115/15 : softening point around 115 °C, penetration around 15. Even harder, for applications exposed to high temperatures.
For comparison, a road bitumen 60/70 softens at around 49-56 °C: a 115/15 oxidised grade withstands more than double before deforming.
Applications
✓Roof waterproofing membranes and sheets
✓Waterproofing of foundations and buried structures
✓Pipe coatings and linings
✓Industrial applications: insulation, bituminous paints, mastics, automotive and electrical industries
Packaging
Oxidised bitumen ships solid and cold: 25 to 50 kg kraft or polyamide bags on pallets, cartons, or drums. This is a major logistical advantage over road bitumen: no temperature maintenance, simple handling, storage with no dedicated installation.
Checkpoints at purchase
✓Cargo certificate of analysis: softening point and penetration measured, not a generic data sheet.
✓Packaging suited to the destination climate: in high heat, bags can stick together; siliconised packaging or drums prevent the problem.
✓Independent pre-shipment inspection whenever the volume justifies it.
✓Incoterm and payment: same rules as road bitumen — CIF for a first purchase, letter of credit documentary. See also the logistics and Incoterms guide.
Industrial applications
Unlike road bitumens, the oxidised grades 85/25 and 115/15 are sought after for their hardness and thermal stability. They are used above all for waterproofing and protection, in construction as well as in industry.
- Waterproofing of roofs and terraces (bituminous membranes, felts).
- Manufacture of waterproofing membranes and damp-proofing products.
- Anti-corrosion protective coatings for pipelines and metal structures.
- Electrical insulation and applications in electrical engineering.
- Industrial adhesives, mastics and bonding products.
The choice between 85/25 and 115/15 depends on the target softening point and cold flexibility: the 115/15, harder and with a higher softening point, is suited to hot or heavily stressed environments, while the 85/25 offers a better compromise between hardness and flexibility.
E-Station supply
E-Station supplies oxidised bitumen 85/25 and 115/15 for export, in bags or drums, CIF delivery. Payment by letter of credit, independent inspection on request. For other oxidised grades, contact us. See our bitumen supplier, our page to buy bitumen in bulk and the price of bitumen.
Quote within 48 hours
Request your oxidised bitumen quote
Specify the grade (85/25 or 115/15), the quantity and the destination port. An expert will get back to you with a firm offer within 48 hours.
Request a quotationThe grades of oxidised bitumen such as the 85/25 and the 115/15 are produced by air blowing and standardised by international references published in particular by ASTM International, which govern the softening point and penetration.
Choosing and buying your oxidised bitumen wisely
The oxidised bitumen differs from road bitumen by a much higher softening point, which makes it ideal for roof waterproofing, industrial coatings and certain protective applications. The choice between 85/25 and 115/15 depends directly on the target service temperature and the stiffness required for the final application.
At purchase, it is essential to validate the product datasheet, require a certificate of analysis and specify the packaging suited to transport. For export orders, framing the Incoterm and securing payment by letter of credit makes supply more reliable in oxidised bitumen more reliable over time.
Frequently asked questions
Can oxidised bitumen be used for a road?
No. Too hard and too brittle for an asphalt mix, it is designed for static applications (waterproofing, industry). For roads, see our penetration grades.
What is the difference between 85/25 and 115/15?
The 115/15 softens at a higher temperature and penetrates less: it is chosen for surfaces heavily exposed to heat or for demanding industrial uses. The 85/25 covers the majority of waterproofing needs.
How is it stored?
Cold, away from direct sunlight. No heated tanks required: it is a solid product that is remelted at the point of use.