PMB 40/100 Exporters

Specifying PMB 40/100 Completely

Because the penetration band is wide, the remaining specification details are important. Before requesting quotations, check that your documents state the following requirements:

• The required softening-point class. The penetration range alone does not establish the softening-point requirement. Confirm the applicable class from the project specification.
• Each additional property and its class. Depending on the project, these may include elastic recovery, cohesion, low-temperature behaviour, storage stability and properties after ageing.
• The applicable standard and edition. Identify the relevant EN 14023 edition, national annex, contract specification or other governing document.

If the specification gives only “PMB 40/100”, ask the project specifier to clarify any missing requirements before comparing offers. For further background, see the EN 14023 classification guide.

PMB 40/100 and Overlapping Grades

Several PMB grades have penetration ranges that overlap with the nominal 40–100 interval. Nevertheless, overlapping ranges do not make the designations interchangeable. The complete designation and the project specification must determine whether a binder is acceptable.

The nominal penetration range of PMB 45/80 falls within the wider 40–100 interval. However, the two designations are not interchangeable. The offered binder must meet the complete designation and the requirements stated in the project specification.

For conventional unmodified binders, see penetration grade bitumen. For projects specified using the performance grading system, visit performance grade bitumen.

Where PMB 40/100 Is Typically Specified

Depending on the pavement design and governing specification, a project may call for a PMB grade with a penetration range such as 40/100 for applications including:

• Stone mastic asphalt and thin surface course systems, where the specified binder is suitable for the mix design.
• Surface and binder courses on trunk roads and urban roads, subject to project requirements.
• Surfacing contracts that explicitly specify PMB 40/100 rather than another PMB designation.

The intended application alone does not establish binder compliance. Confirm the required grade, softening-point class, and other properties against the pavement design and contract documents.

Quoting PMB 40/100 for Export

To request an export quotation, send the complete designation or specification clause, required quantity, destination port, and preferred Incoterm. If the project lists several required properties, include the full specification so each requirement can be reviewed.

The quotation should identify the designation being offered, applicable standard and edition, technical data sheet (TDS), packing, loading port, agreed Incoterm (FOB, CFR or CIF, as applicable), available documents, inspection arrangements, price validity and estimated transit time. Final availability and terms must be confirmed for the specific enquiry.

For the wider product range, visit our polymer modified bitumen (PMB) products page.

Documents and Inspection for PMB 40/100

Because the penetration range alone cannot demonstrate compliance with the complete specification, review both the technical data sheet and the batch-specific certificate of analysis (COA).

• Technical data sheet: Check that the TDS identifies the offered designation, applicable specification, selected properties, classes, and test methods.
• Certificate of analysis: Confirm that the batch COA reports penetration according to EN 1426, softening point according to EN 1427, and the other properties required by the contract.
• Batch traceability: Ensure the batch reference on the COA matches the material supplied and the relevant cargo documentation.

The PMB TDS and COA checklist provide further guidance on reviewing these documents.

If your contract requires third-party inspection, agree on the inspection scope before shipment. In addition to penetration, the test list may need to include softening point and other selected properties. Specify the inspection agency, sampling point, inspection timing, and laboratory requirements in your enquiry. The final report will cover the tests and procedures included in the agreed scope.

Packing, Shipping and Handling

Packing for PMB 40/100 should be agreed for each enquiry and stated in the offer. Do not assume that packing options used for conventional bitumen are automatically suitable for the particular PMB formulation.

During storage and handling, follow the supplier’s technical data sheet for heating temperatures, holding times and storage conditions. If the binder must remain hot before use, obtain the supplier’s recommended conditions in writing. See PMB storage stability explained for further information on the considerations associated with hot storage.

Also include destination-country approvals, documentation requirements and any pre-shipment inspection conditions in your enquiry so they can be considered before the shipment is arranged.

Frequently Asked Questions

Request a PMB 40/100 Quotation

To prepare an accurate offer, send:

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

Request a PMB 40/100 Quote

All EN 14023 ranges and the PMB export process: Polymer Modified Bitumen Exporters