Cutback bitumen is a range of binders that are produced by blending (mixing) penetration grade bitumen and a hydrocarbon solvent, such as paraffin or mineral turpentine.
When the solvent has evaporated, the binder returns to its original penetration grade to tie the particles together. Cutback bitumen gets its name from the solvent that is involved in the process, because the solvent "cuts back" or evaporates, leaving behind the binder to "get on with the job". The solvent used in cutback bitumen is called the "cutter" or "flux".
Three types of solvents are used for the blending process: slow-curing, medium-curing or rapid-curing solvents. The latter two are the most common in South Africa. The choice of the solvent determines the rate at which the bitumen will cure when exposed to air. A rapid-curing (RC) solvent will evaporate faster than a medium-curing (MC) solvent. Curing relates to the evaporation rate of the solvent which influences the setting time of the bitumen. The viscosity of the cutback bitumen is determined by the proportion of solvent added: the higher the proportion of solvent, the lower the viscosity of the cutback.
In many places, cutback asphalt use is restricted to patching materials for use in cold weather cutback MC-30 is medium curing (MC) cut-back asphalt consisting of penetration grade asphalt cement and diluent or cutter of medium volatility. The diluent temporarily reduces the viscosity of the asphalt cement for ease of handling and application. Cutback MC-30 use in the road maintenance industry where it is used as a prime coat of the base course prior to placing of the bituminous surface course. Its purpose is to bind the granular material of the base course to the asphalt layer. Usual application is by spray using a distributor.
Cutback bitumen is a blend of penetration grade bitumen and petroleum
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