Hot-melt bituminous compound.
rock bitumen is a solid blown bitumen, 50/70.
Uses:
rock bitumen is used as anti-corrosion protection of steel punchings and steel plate fillings used in marine keel, low-cost ballast applications. Can be used as a wood block adhesive. For concrete joints in potable water structures.
Advantages
- Easy to apply in bulk
- Very rapid drying filler and adhesive
- Water impervious
- For drinking water applications (SANS approved)
- Provides a basic moisture barrier for ballast systems
- Helps reduce water ingress pathways when used as an encapsulation filler/void sealing
Surface Preparation
Please refer to the “Preparation of Surfaces” data sheet for further details.
Bonding/Priming
Use a.b.e.® bituprime if a primer is specified.
Coverage
1 kg /m²/ 1 mm (no wastage allowance).
Properties of Material
| Density (DIN 51757) | 1,03 g/cm3 |
| Colour | Black |
| Flash point | >250 °C |
| Toxicity & tainting – drinking water (SANS 1217, SANS 241-1) |
Cured material is non-toxic (not exceeding any max allowable limits) |
| Penetration | 20 – 30 decimeters |
| pH @ 25 °C | 6.8 |
| Volume solids | 100% |
| Equipment cleanup | a.b.e.® super brush cleaner |
Application
The rock bitumen should be cut into small pieces using a heated shovel blade. Melt a few pieces of rock bitumen and gradually add more pieces to the molten material, stirring until the bitumen reaches the recommended 170 °C application temperature, when it should be used as soon as possible.
Do not melt more bitumen than can be used immediately, since cooling overnight and then reheating can cause degradation. Care must be exercised when melting rock bitumen to ensure that overheating does not occur, as temperatures in excess of 190 °C will cause decomposition of the bitumen.
Oil jacketed melters are preferable. rock bitumen should also not be maintained at elevated temperatures for longer than two hours. Surfaces to be bonded must be laid immediately into the hot bitumen whilst still liquid.
For any additional information or advice please contact your nearest a.b.e.® branch.
Protection On Completion
Not required unless exposed to extensive sunlight, in which case coat with two coats of silvakote.
Application Temperature
Softening point 80 °C to 90 °C.
Pouring point 170 °C to 180 °C.
Model Specification
Hot-applied bituminous adhesive and filler.
The adhesive/filler shall be rock bitumen 50/70, a one component, solid blown bitumen applied in accordance with the recommendations of a.b.e.®
Packaging
rock bitumen is supplied in 25 kg silicone lined paper bags.
Handling & Storage
This product has a shelf life of 24 months if kept in a dry cool place in the original packaging. In more extreme conditions this period might be shortened.
Health & Safety
If working in confined areas always provide adequate ventilation, particularly in the vicinity of the melter. Handle molten rock bitumen with great care and take precautions against burns – wear suitable gloves.
First Aid
If hot bitumen comes in contact with the skin, no attempts should be made to remove it (it acts as a sterile dressing to the underlying burned areas of the skin). The bitumen covered burned area should be drenched immediately in cold, preferably running water for at least 20 minutes. If hot bitumen enters the eye, it should be flushed with water for 20 minutes and padded. The patient must be referred urgently for medical attention. No attempts to remove the bitumen should be made by unqualified personnel.
Important Note
This data sheet is issued as a guide to the use of the product(s) concerned. Whilst a.b.e.® endeavours to ensure that any advice, recommendation, specification or information is accurate and correct, the company cannot accept any liability for application – because a.b.e.® has no direct or continuous control over where and how a.b.e.® products are applied.
Further Information
Where other products are to be used in conjunction with this material, the relevant technical data sheets should be consulted to determine total
requirements.
a.b.e.® has a wealth of technical and practical experience built up over the years in the company’s pursuit of excellence in building and construction technology.