What Is Mc-30 Bitumen
Last updated: 2026-10-13
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What Is Mc-30 Bitumen
MC-30 bitumen is a medium-curing (MC) cutback asphalt cement composed of penetration-grade bitumen (typically 50/70 or 60/70) blended with roughly 30–40% kerosene-type solvent by volume. It is classified as MC-30 under ASTM D2026 and AASHTO M82, with a typical kinematic viscosity of 30–60 cSt at 60°C (140°F) and a minimum flash point near 38°C (100°F). It is primarily used for prime coats on granular base courses and dust palliative / tack coat applications, applied at rates of 0.5–2.0 L/m² and cured within 4–24 hours depending on ambient temperature.
MC-30 Bitumen: Definition, Composition & Specifications
MC-30 belongs to the cutback asphalt family, distinguished from emulsified asphalt (SS-1, CSS-1) and from penetration-grade straight-run bitumen (60/70, 40/50). The "MC" stands for Medium Curing, referring to the evaporation rate of the solvent: faster than slow-curing (SC) but slower than rapid-curing (RC) grades. The "30" designates the viscosity grade — higher numbers indicate thicker material (MC-30 vs. MC-70 vs. MC-250 vs. MC-800 vs. MC-3000).
1. Base bitumen selection — 60/70 or 50/70 penetration-grade bitumen is heated to 120–140°C.
2. Solvent blending — kerosene (or naphtha in some formulations) is added at 25–40% by volume under controlled agitation.
3. Viscosity adjustment — the blend is tested via Saybolt Furol viscometer to confirm 30–60 cSt at 60°C.
4. Quality control — flash point, distillation range, and residue penetration are verified per ASTM D2026.
| Property | Test Method | MC-30 Specification | Typical Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kinematic Viscosity @ 60°C | ASTM D2170 | 30–60 cSt | 45 cSt |
| Flash Point (TOC) | ASTM D92 | ≥ 38°C (100°F) | 42°C |
| Distillation — to 225°C | ASTM D402 | ≤ 25% | 18% |
| Distillation — to 260°C | ASTM D402 | 40–70% | 55% |
| Distillation — to 360°C | ASTM D402 | 75–93% | 85% |
| Residue from distillation | ASTM D402 | ≥ 50% | 55% |
| Penetration of residue @ 25°C | ASTM D5 | 80–120 dmm | 100 dmm |
| Solubility in trichloroethylene | ASTM D2042 | ≥ 99% | 99.5% |
| Specific Gravity @ 25°C | ASTM D70 | 0.90–1.05 | 0.96 |
Key takeaway: MC-30 is a low-viscosity, fast-penetrating, medium-curing cutback designed for spray application at ambient temperatures between 10°C and 40°C — no heating required beyond 50–60°C for optimal spray atomization.
MC-30 vs. Other Cutback & Emulsion Grades
Selecting the right binder matters more than most contractors realize. A mis-spec'd prime coat can cost $3,000–$8,000 per kilometer in rework. Here's the direct comparison.
| Grade | Cure Type | Viscosity @ 60°C | Primary Use | Cure Time | Relative Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MC-30 | Medium | 30–60 cSt | Prime coat, dust control | 4–24 hrs | $ $ |
| MC-70 | Medium | 70–140 cSt | Prime coat (denser bases) | 8–36 hrs | $ $ |
| MC-250 | Medium | 250–500 cSt | Base stabilization | 24–72 hrs | $ $ $ |
| RC-70 | Rapid | 70–140 cSt | Tack coat, surface treatment | 1–6 hrs | $ $ $ |
| SC-30 | Slow | 30–60 cSt | Cold-laid mixes | 24–72 hrs | $ $ |
| SS-1h (emulsion) | Slow | N/A (emulsion) | Tack, prime (eco option) | 2–12 hrs | $ |
- Choose MC-30 when: priming open-graded granular bases, low ambient humidity, need for deep penetration (≥ 25 mm), and rapid return to traffic within 24 hours.
- Choose MC-70 when: base is dense-graded or temperatures exceed 35°C and you need slower penetration.
- Choose emulsion (SS-1h) when: environmental regulations restrict VOC emissions (MC cutbacks release kerosene VOCs of ~250–400 g/L).
- Avoid MC-30 when: surface temperature falls below 10°C — curing slows dramatically and penetration drops below 15 mm.
MC-30 Application Rates, Coverage & Cost Data
Application rate drives both performance and budget. Too little and you get a weak bond; too much and you get a slippery, bleeding surface.
| Surface Type | Application Rate | Coverage per 200L Drum |
|---|---|---|
| Tight, well-graded base | 0.5–0.9 L/m² | 220–400 m² |
| Open-graded granular base | 0.9–1.5 L/m² | 130–220 m² |
| Sandy / loose subgrade | 1.5–2.0 L/m² | 100–130 m² |
| Dust palliative (light) | 0.3–0.6 L/m² | 330–660 m² |
| Item | Unit | Price Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| MC-30 bulk (per metric ton) | MT | $520 – $680 |
| MC-30 in 200L drums | Drum | $110 – $150 |
| Freight (bulk tanker, 25 MT) | per MT | $40 – $90 |
| Spray application cost | per m² | $0.08 – $0.18 |
| Total prime coat installed | per m² | $0.35 – $0.75 |
Practical example: A 1 km road, 7 m wide, at 1.0 L/m² requires 7,000 L ≈ 6.7 metric tons of MC-30 — roughly $3,500–$4,500 in material plus $600–$1,300 in application.
- 0–2 hours: Solvent begins evaporating; surface remains tacky — no traffic.
- 4–8 hours (≥ 25°C): 60–70% solvent evaporated; light traffic may be permitted.
- 12–24 hours: Full cure achieved; ready for asphalt overlay.
- Below 15°C: Cure time extends to 36–72 hours.
Storage, Safety & Handling Requirements
MC-30 contains kerosene-class solvents, making it a flammable liquid (NFPA Class II/III). Mishandling is the most common cause of site incidents.
- Store in vented, grounded steel tanks away from ignition sources.
- Maintain temperature between 15°C and 45°C — never exceed flash point (38°C).
- Drums must be stored horizontally or bung-up under cover.
- Shelf life: 12 months in sealed drums; 6 months in partially-filled tanks.
| Hazard | Detail | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Flash point | ≥ 38°C | No open flame within 15 m |
| VOC content | ~250–400 g/L | Respiratory protection, ventilation |
| Skin contact | Burns, dermatitis | Nitrile gloves, coveralls |
| Eye contact | Severe irritation | Chemical splash goggles |
| Spill response | Absorbent + containment | EPA-compliant disposal |
- US: Subject to EPA VOC limits in ozone non-attainment areas (may be restricted).
- EU: Classified under REACH; kerosene content triggers H226/H304 labeling.
- Gulf/MENA: Widely permitted; common specification in Saudi Aramco and ADNOC road projects.
MC-30 Bitumen Market: Pricing Factors & 2024–2025 Outlook
MC-30 price tracks two inputs: base bitumen (60/70) and kerosene. When either rises 10%, MC-30 typically rises 6–8% due to the blended composition.
| Factor | Weight in Cost | 2024 Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Base bitumen (60/70) | ~60% | +8% YoY |
| Kerosene / solvent | ~30% | +5% YoY |
| Blending & logistics | ~10% | +3% YoY |
- Middle East (FOB Jebel Ali): $520 – $580
- Southeast Asia (FOB Singapore): $560 – $620
- West Africa (CIF Lagos): $640 – $720
- Europe (FOB Rotterdam): $610 – $680
- North America (FOB Houston): $580 – $660
Forecast: Analysts project MC-30 prices to remain flat to +4% through 2025, driven by stable crude oil (Brent $75–$85/bbl) and steady infrastructure spending in MENA and Sub-Saharan Africa.
FAQ: MC-30 Bitumen
Q1: What is MC-30 bitumen used for?
MC-30 is primarily used as a prime coat on granular base courses and as a dust palliative on unpaved roads. It penetrates 25–40 mm into open-graded bases and provides a bonding layer before asphalt overlay. It is also used for tack coats in low-temperature regions where emulsions may freeze.
Q2: What is the difference between MC-30 and MC-70?
The difference is viscosity and penetration depth. MC-30 (30–60 cSt at 60°C) is thinner and penetrates faster, making it suitable for open or loose bases. MC-70 (70–140 cSt) is thicker, cures slower, and is better for denser bases where you want less penetration and a stronger residual film.
Q3: How long does MC-30 take to cure?
MC-30 cures in 4–24 hours at temperatures above 25°C, and 36–72 hours below 15°C. Full cure — measured as ≥ 95% solvent evaporation — is required before applying asphalt overlay. Test with a simple "thumbprint" or solvent-evaporation check before paving.
Q4: What is the price of MC-30 bitumen per ton?
MC-30 bitumen typically costs $520–$680 per metric ton (bulk) in 2024–2025, depending on region and freight. Drummed material runs $110–$150 per 200L drum, equivalent to roughly $650–$880 per ton. Freight adds $40–$90 per ton for bulk tanker deliveries.
Q5: Is MC-30 bitumen the same as 60/70 bitumen?
No. 60/70 is straight-run penetration-grade bitumen, while MC-30 is a cutback made by blending 60/70 (or 50/70) with 30–40% kerosene. MC-30 therefore has a much lower viscosity and flash point, and it cures by solvent evaporation rather than cooling. The residue of MC-30 after distillation is typically a 80–120 dmm penetration bitumen.
Calculate Your MC-30 Procurement Cost Instantly
Before you lock in a supplier quote, validate the numbers. Freight, drum vs. bulk, viscosity grade, and regional premiums can swing project costs by 20–35% — and small errors compound across multi-kilometer jobs.
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