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Please be aware that this old REACH registration data factsheet is no longer maintained; it remains frozen as of 19th May 2023.

The new ECHA CHEM database has been released by ECHA, and it now contains all REACH registration data. There are more details on the transition of ECHA's published data to ECHA CHEM here.

Diss Factsheets

Physical & Chemical properties

Melting point / freezing point

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Description of key information

The softening point is measured using the ASTM D36 method. Bitumens have softening points in the range of 30 to 128°C.

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Additional information

For complex hydrocarbon substances like bitumen, a melting point is not a meaningful parameter, since they become gradually softer as the temperature rises. The softening point, measured using ASTM method D36/EN 1427, is normally used to describe this property. For penetration grade bitumens, the values are mandatory and are specified in CEN technical specifications (CONCAWE 1992a; Shell 2003). Some grades of bitumen are too soft to measure the softening point according to available methods, which do not allow measurement below 5°C. In theory, values for these grades could be calculated but instead, viscosity is measured beginning at 60°C.