PMB 40/100 Polymer Modified Bitumen Manufacturers

PMB 40/100 is a polymer modified bitumen grade with a penetration range of 40–100 (0.1 mm) at 25 °C, identified in the supplied specification as Class 5 under EN 14023. Its wide penetration range distinguishes it from grades such as PMB 45/80 and PMB 65/105. However, penetration alone does not determine the performance of a polymer modified binder. The softening point, elastic recovery, cohesion, storage stability and other declared property classes must also be considered when selecting PMB 40/100 for a road surfacing project.

PMB 40/100 may be suitable for demanding surface courses where the project specification requires a modified binder with appropriate deformation resistance, flexibility and aggregate retention. Its suitability depends on the complete product designation, required property classes and intended application. It follows PMB 45/80 and precedes the softer PMB 65/105 in the Tiger Bitumen Polymer Modified Bitumen range.

Tiger Bitumen is the product brand of HY International Group. Each PMB 40/100 export enquiry is quoted against the complete EN 14023 designation and property classes required by the buyer’s project specification.

Tiger Brand PMB 40/100 Specifications (EN 14023)

For PMB 40/100, the penetration range alone does not fully describe the binder’s performance. The softening point and declared classes for elastic recovery, cohesion and storage stability are also important when assessing the product for a particular application. The complete EN 14023 designation and all applicable property classes should therefore be confirmed against the relevant product specification before an order is placed.

Where a project specification requires cohesion to be measured using a tensile test under EN 13587 or the Vialit pendulum method under EN 13588, the specified test method and acceptance criteria should be followed.

Why the PMB 40/100 Penetration Window Is Wide

EN 14023 Class 5 is described in the supplied grade information as a penetration range of 40–100 (0.1 mm) at 25 °C. This range overlaps with those of PMB 45/80 and PMB 65/105. For example, a measured penetration value of 70 falls within all three ranges. The measured value alone therefore does not establish the grade: the designation declared in the specification determines which binder is required.

PMB 40/100 may be specified where a project requires a particular combination of penetration range, softening point and polymer-related performance properties. One designation encountered in practice is PMB 40/100-65, indicating a penetration range of 40–100 (0.1 mm) at 25 °C and a softening point requirement associated with the 65 °C suffix. The precise designation and acceptance criteria must be confirmed against the applicable standard and approved product documentation.

Always order the grade using the complete designation stated in the contract documents. This helps ensure that the supplied binder is assessed against the intended property classes rather than penetration alone.

What to Check in a PMB 40/100 Specification

Applications of PMB 40/100

The suitability of PMB 40/100 depends on the specified binder properties, pavement design, traffic conditions and project requirements. Potential applications include:

• Thin and very thin surface-course systems laid over existing pavements.
• Stone mastic asphalt (SMA) for heavily trafficked roads where the specified binder properties are suitable.
• Porous and open-graded asphalt, where binder cohesion and resistance to aggregate loss are important.
• High-stress locations such as roundabouts, junctions, bus stops and turning areas, subject to project requirements.
• Airfield surface courses where the project specification calls for a compatible polymer modified binder.

Final grade selection should consider pavement design, local climate, expected traffic loading and verified product properties. The project specification takes precedence over general application guidance.

Selecting PMB 40/100

PMB 40/100 may be suitable when a project specification calls for its particular penetration range alongside defined polymer modified bitumen performance requirements. The correct choice depends on the complete designation and required property classes. As a general guide:

This comparison is a preliminary guide rather than a substitute for engineering evaluation. Confirm each candidate grade against the project requirements, relevant standards and supplier documentation before specifying or ordering the binder.

Highly Modified Binders in Export Supply

Highly modified binders require careful control during manufacture, storage and transport. Polymer dispersion, maturation and temperature management can affect the finished binder’s properties. Storage stability is particularly important when the product must remain homogeneous during hot storage, transit and reheating at the destination.

For an export quotation, provide the complete PMB 40/100 designation, all required property classes, the order quantity and the destination port. HY International Group’s export team can review the stated requirements against the relevant product specification so that the quotation reflects the grade and properties required for the project.

Handling PMB 40/100

Handling conditions for polymer modified bitumen depend on the formulation and supplier instructions. Follow the specified heating, mixing and compaction temperature limits, avoid unnecessary hot-storage periods and use the recommended tank circulation or agitation procedure where applicable. Local overheating, including at heating coils, should be avoided because excessive temperatures can affect binder properties and polymer performance.

Before use, consult the applicable technical data sheet and handling guidance for the supplied grade. Storage, transport and application procedures should be suitable for the specific product and project requirements.

PMB 40/100 FAQs