PMB 10/40 Exporters

Reading a PMB 10/40 Requirement in Your Specification

Before requesting a quotation for PMB 10/40, check that your project documents answer three key questions. These details help you compare offers against the same requirements.

1. Which softening-point class? EN 14023 expresses a complete designation using the penetration range followed by the minimum softening point in °C. If your specification gives only “PMB 10/40,” ask the specifier to confirm the class before comparing offers. This is important because two binders in the same penetration range can belong to different classes.
2. Which further properties? Your specification may add requirements for elastic recovery, cohesion, low-temperature behaviour, storage stability, or properties after ageing. However, these requirements apply only when the specification selects them.
3. Which edition? Also note the edition of EN 14023 and any national version or annex referenced by the contract. This helps ensure that the offered designation matches the applicable requirements.

Once these details are clear, the offer can state the exact designation. You can then check the technical data sheet (TDS) against the specification, line by line. For more information, see the EN 14023 classification guide.

PMB 10/40 and Similar-Looking Requirements

Low-penetration binders can appear under several different names. However, similar numbers do not mean that products meet the same requirements. Always check that the offer matches the binder named in your specification.

Where a specification permits an alternative binder, test data must demonstrate equivalence against the applicable requirements. For unmodified grades, see penetration grade bitumen. For projects that specify a PG grade, see performance grade bitumen.

Where PMB 10/40 Is Typically Considered

PMB 10/40 is the lowest nominal penetration range in the series and represents a hard binder range. Depending on the complete designation and pavement design, engineers may consider it for applications such as:

• High-modulus base and binder courses
• Pavements under heavy, slow, or channelled traffic, including port yards, container terminals, and industrial roads
• Hot-climate applications where resistance to deformation is an important design requirement

However, the penetration range alone does not determine whether PMB 10/40 is suitable for a project. The engineer must select the appropriate range and softening-point class based on the pavement design. We quote against the designation specified for your project.

Quoting PMB 10/40 for Export

An accurate PMB 10/40 export quotation needs the complete designation alongside your shipping details. To help us review your request, provide the specification clause, required quantity, destination port, and preferred Incoterm.

Explore our polymer modified bitumen (PMB) range to view available grades.

Based on those details, your quotation will state:

• The full designation offered, including the standard and edition
• The technical data sheet for the offered designation
• Packing arrangements, loading port, and Incoterm (FOB, CFR, or CIF)
• The documents required for the order, including any agreed inspection
• Price validity and the estimated transit time to your port

Documents for a PMB 10/40 Shipment

Penetration, measured under EN 1426, and softening point, measured under EN 1427, are important properties for checking a PMB 10/40 designation. Therefore, ask for a batch certificate of analysis (COA) that reports these properties and their test methods.

The COA should also report every additional property required by your specification. In addition, check that the batch reference matches the cargo. Request the TDS with the quotation so you can compare the declared properties with your specification before placing the order.

The PMB TDS and COA checklist explains what each document can and cannot prove. If your contract requires third-party inspection, include the inspection scope in your enquiry.

Packing, Shipping and Handling

Packing for PMB 10/40 is agreed for each enquiry and stated in the offer. However, packing used for conventional bitumen does not automatically apply to a modified binder. Confirm the suitable packing arrangement for the offered product before the order is finalised.

Because PMB 10/40 has a low nominal penetration range, it is a hard binder at standard test temperature. Its actual handling behaviour also depends on the formulation and complete designation. Therefore, plan reheating, decanting, and transfer according to the product’s technical data sheet.

Excessive temperatures or prolonged heating can affect modified binder properties. For this reason, follow the supplier’s stated maximum handling temperature and heating time. Also request the storage conditions in writing. The PMB storage stability explained guide covers why these conditions matter.

Finally, include any destination-specific requirements in your enquiry. These may include product approval, a conformity certificate, or pre-shipment inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Request a PMB 10/40 Quotation

Please include:

• the complete designation, or the specification clause, with standard and edition;
• quantity in metric tons;
• destination port and Incoterm (FOB, CFR or CIF);
• packing preference, if any;
• inspection and document requirements, including destination approvals;
• the required delivery window.

Send Your PMB Specification

Other EN 14023 ranges, export documents and specification systems: Polymer Modified Bitumen Exporters