Cutbacks are bitumen preparations in which the viscosity of the binder has been reduced by the addition of a volatile solvent, normally derived from petroleum.

Cutback products are typically used for spraying and some mixing applications. The advantage of cutbacks over emulsions is much higher residual bitumen content, typically over 80% compared with over 40-65% for Bitumen emulsions. The result is more Bitumen left on the roadway after curing, for the same volume of binder applied.

GRADES BITUMEN STANDARD
PROPERTY	UNIT	MC30	MC70	MC250	MC3000	STANDARD
Penetration @ 250C, for 5 Sec	CST	30/60	70/140	250/500	3000/6000	D2170
Flash Point, Min	0C	38	38	66	66	D1310
Residue from Distillation to @ 360 (0C) min	%VOL	50	55	67	80	D402
Test on Residue from Distillation
Retained penetration after thin film oven test	CM	120/250	120/250	120/250	120/250	D5
Ductility @ 25 (0C) -cm/min after thin oven test	CM	100.0	100.0	100.0	100.0	D113
Solubility in Trichloroethylene, Min	%	99.0	99.0	99.0	99.0	D2042
Water, Max	%VOL	0.2	0.2	0.2	0.2	D95

GRADES BITUMEN STANDARD
PROPERTY	UNIT	RC70	RC250	RC3000	STANDARD
Kinematic viscosity @ 600C,	CST	70/140	250/500	3000/6000	D2170
Flash Point, Min	0C	-	27	27	D1310
Residue from Distillation to @ 360 (0C) min	%VOL	55	65	80	D402
Test on Residue from Distillation
Penetration at 250C, 100g, 5 sec	CM	80/120	120/250	120/250	D5
Ductility @ 25 (0C) min	CM	100.0	100.0	100.0	D113
Solubility in Trichloroethylene, Min	%	99.0	99.0	99.0	D2042
Water, Max	%VOL	0.2	0.2	0.2	D95