Cutback Bitumen MC-30 vs MC-800
Last updated: 2026-10-05
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Cutback bitumen MC-30 and MC-800 are both medium-curing (MC) grades defined under ASTM D2026, but they differ by more than 25× in viscosity: MC-30 runs 30–60 cSt at 60°C while MC-800 runs 800–1,600 cSt. In practice, MC-30 is a fast-penetrating, low-viscosity primer for cold surfaces, and MC-800 is a heavy, slow-setting grade for chip seals and base stabilization. On a 20-ton order, MC-30 typically costs $480–$620 per tonne versus $500–$650 per tonne for MC-800, and you should plan 7–15 days of lead time from Gulf or Asian refineries.
What Are Cutback MC-30 and MC-800?
Cutback bitumen is penetration-grade asphalt dissolved in a petroleum solvent (naphtha or kerosene) to make it fluid at ambient temperature. The "MC" prefix means medium-curing, and the number after it is the kinematic viscosity in centistokes (cSt) at 60°C per ASTM D2026.
- MC-30: Viscosity 30–60 cSt at 60°C. Very thin, low-viscosity cutback used for prime coats, tack coats, and surface penetration on cold or damp surfaces.
- MC-800: Viscosity 800–1,600 cSt at 60°C. Thick, heavy cutback used for chip seals, slurry seals, and cold-laid patching mixes.
Both grades cure as the solvent evaporates, leaving the residual asphalt binder behind. The higher the number, the heavier the grade and the slower the cure.
Full Specification Comparison: MC-30 vs MC-800
| Property | MC-30 | MC-800 | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kinematic viscosity @ 60°C | 30–60 cSt | 800–1,600 cSt | ASTM D2170 |
| Flash point (min) | 38°C | 66°C | ASTM D93 |
| Distillation: @ 225°C | 10–40% | 0–5% | ASTM D402 |
| Distillation: @ 260°C | 40–70% | 5–25% | ASTM D402 |
| Distillation: @ 316°C | 75–93% | 45–70% | ASTM D402 |
| Residue from distillation (min) | 50% | 75% | ASTM D402 |
| Penetration of residue @ 25°C | 80–120 dmm | 60–120 dmm | ASTM D5 |
| Ductility of residue @ 25°C (min) | 100 cm | 100 cm | ASTM D113 |
| Solubility in trichloroethylene (min) | 99% | 99% | ASTM D2042 |
| Water content (max) | 0.2% | 0.2% | ASTM D95 |
| Specific gravity @ 25°C | 0.90–1.00 | 0.95–1.05 | ASTM D70 |
The distillation data tells the real story: MC-30 releases 75–93% of its volatiles by 316°C, which is why it cures in 1–4 hours. MC-800 retains more heavy fractions, giving it a working window of 4–24 hours for aggregate embedment.
Application Guide: Which Grade for Which Job?
| Application | MC-30 | MC-800 | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prime coat on granular base | ✅ Best | ❌ | Penetrates 10–25 mm into cold base |
| Tack coat between lifts | ✅ Best | ❌ | Spray rate 0.15–0.35 L/m² |
| Chip seal (single/double) | ❌ | ✅ Best | Holds 12–16 mm aggregate |
| Slurry seal | ⚠️ Rare | ✅ | Heavier film build |
| Cold patching mix | ❌ | ✅ | Extended workability |
| Base stabilization | ⚠️ | ✅ | Blends with 4–8% mix moisture |
| Dust palliation | ⚠️ | ✅ | Higher residual content |
Typical spray rates:
- MC-30 prime coat: 1.0–2.0 L/m² depending on base porosity
- MC-30 tack coat: 0.15–0.35 L/m² residual
- MC-800 chip seal: 1.6–2.4 L/m² residual binder
- MC-800 base stabilization: 3–6% by weight of dry aggregate
Example: a 10,000 m² chip seal at 2.0 L/m² residual requires roughly 20,000 liters (≈18 tonnes) of MC-800. The same area as a prime coat at 1.5 L/m² needs about 15,000 liters (≈13.5 tonnes) of MC-30.
Price, Packaging, and Logistics
Pricing varies by origin, season, and order volume. These 2024–2025 benchmark ranges assume FOB Gulf or Asian ports:
| Grade | Drummed (200 kg) | Bulk ISO tank | Flexitank (24 m³) | MOQ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MC-30 | $480–$620/tonne | $420–$540/tonne | $450–$580/tonne | 20 tonnes |
| MC-800 | $500–$650/tonne | $440–$560/tonne | $470–$600/tonne | 20 tonnes |
Logistics benchmarks:
- Lead time: 7–15 days ex-works; 18–35 days for FCL sea freight to Africa, Middle East, or South America.
- Loading: 80 drums per 20-ft container = 16 tonnes; 1 flexitank per 20-ft = 24 tonnes.
- Storage temperature: keep drums at 15–30°C; MC grades are flammable below their flash points (MC-30: 38°C; MC-800: 66°C).
- Shelf life: 6–12 months in sealed drums; avoid airtight bulk tanks for MC-30 due to solvent loss.
A 25-tonne order of MC-800 in bulk typically lands at $12,400–$14,000 before freight, while the same quantity of MC-30 runs $11,000–$13,500.
Selection Checklist: 6 Questions Before You Order
- Is the surface cold or damp? → MC-30.
- Do you need penetration into a granular base? → MC-30.
- Are you embedding aggregate (chip seal, slurry)? → MC-800.
- Does the project require extended workability in hot weather? → MC-800.
- Is the ambient temperature below 15°C? → MC-800 (lower volatility, slower set).
- Is fast turnaround the priority? → MC-30 (cures 1–4 hours vs 4–24 hours).
FAQ: Cutback MC-30 and MC-800
Q1: What is the main difference between MC-30 and MC-800?
MC-30 has a viscosity of 30–60 cSt at 60°C and is used for prime and tack coats, while MC-800 has a viscosity of 800–1,600 cSt and is used for chip seals and base stabilization. The 25× viscosity gap means MC-30 penetrates cold surfaces and MC-800 builds a thicker residual film.
Q2: Can MC-30 and MC-800 be used interchangeably?
No. Substituting MC-30 for MC-800 in a chip seal will cause aggregate loss within days because the binder is too thin. Conversely, MC-800 will not penetrate a granular base and will sit on the surface as a sticky film.
Q3: How much do MC-30 and MC-800 cost per tonne?
In 2024–2025, MC-30 ranges from $480–$620 per tonne and MC-800 from $500–$650 per tonne depending on packaging and origin. Bulk ISO tank shipments reduce this by roughly 8–12% versus drummed product.
Q4: What is the curing time for each grade?
MC-30 cures in 1–4 hours at 25°C because it releases 75–93% of volatiles by 316°C. MC-800 cures in 4–24 hours, giving crews time to seat aggregate before the binder sets.
Q5: Which grade should I use for a prime coat?
MC-30 is the standard choice for prime coats, applied at 1.0–2.0 L/m² on granular bases. MC-800 is too heavy for priming and is not recommended unless the specification explicitly calls for a heavy-grade prime.
Calculate Your Cutback Bitumen Cost with 6Tar
Before you issue a PO, run your volumes through the 6Tar cost calculator to convert liters per square meter into tonnes, drums, and total landed cost for MC-30 or MC-800. Enter your project area, spray rate, and destination port, and you will get a line-item quote in under 60 seconds — accurate to ±3% of your final invoice.