What is Industrial Grade Gilsonite?
Industrial Grade Gilsonite is a naturally occurring, solid hydrocarbon classified as a bituminous resin or natural asphalt. Mined primarily in the Uinta Basin of Utah, Gilsonite is prized for its unique combination of high carbon content, thermoplastic behavior, and chemical stability, making it suitable for diverse industrial applications including:
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Asphalt modification
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Ink and paint manufacturing
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Foundry sand additives
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Oil and gas well construction
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Rubber and tire compounding
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Sealants and adhesives
Industrial-grade Gilsonite differs from other types by its purity, ash content, and softening point, making it ideal for heavy-duty uses across sectors like asphalt, foundry, adhesives, inks, drilling fluids, and coatings.
Physical and Chemical Properties of Industrial Grade Gilsonite
Property | Typical Value/Range |
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Appearance | Black, brittle, glassy surface |
Softening Point | 130°C – 220°C (266°F – 428°F) |
Solubility | Soluble in aromatic solvents and oils |
Ash Content | 0.5% – 15% (application-dependent) |
Fixed Carbon Content | High (≥70%) |
Moisture | Less than 1% |
Specific Gravity | 1.04 – 1.06 |
Particle Size | Custom (20–200 mesh or granular) |
Industrial Grade Natural asphalt offers unique properties that make it a valuable additive and raw material in industrial processes. Its applications span across sectors such as construction, paints and coatings, ink manufacturing, drilling fluids, and more.
Key Properties of Industrial Grade Gilsonite
Property | Benefit in Industry |
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High Carbon Content | Increases hardness and durability |
Thermoplastic Nature | Enhances flexibility and film formation |
High Softening Point | Suitable for high-temperature applications |
Natural Resin Composition | Improves binding and waterproofing |
Chemical Inertness | Stable under harsh chemical environments |
When using Industrial Grade Gilsonite, it is essential to consider the specific requirements of each application and follow the recommended guidelines and dosage. Manufacturers often provide technical specifications and guidance to ensure optimal performance and desired results.
Industrial Applications of Gilsonite
🛣️ 1. Asphalt & Road Construction
Used as an asphalt modifier, Gilsonite increases:
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Resistance to rutting and cracking
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Weatherability and UV resistance
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Lifespan of pavements and sealcoats
One of the key advantages of Industrial Grade Gilsonite is its use as a binder or additive in construction materials. It enhances the performance of asphalt mixtures, concrete, and cementitious products. When used in asphalt mixtures, Gilsonite improves the overall durability, flexibility, and resistance to aging and cracking. In concrete, it acts as a pozzolan, enhancing strength and reducing permeability. Additionally, it can be used as an additive in cement to improve set-cement strength and fluid loss control.
🖌️ 2. Paints, Coatings & Inks
As a black pigment and resin enhancer, Gilsonite provides:
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Gloss retention
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Improved adhesion
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Quick drying times
In the paints and coatings industry, Industrial Grade Gilsonite (Gilsonite powder) serves as a valuable raw material. It is used to produce high-quality, glossy, and durable coatings. It enhances the adhesion, weather resistance, and UV stability of paints and varnishes. Gilsonite-based coatings are often used in applications such as automotive finishes, wood coatings, and industrial coatings.
Furthermore, Industrial Grade Natural asphalt finds application in the manufacturing of printing inks. It acts as a pigment dispersant and rheology modifier, improving the flow properties and stability of inks. Gilsonite-based inks are known for their deep black color, excellent printability, and resistance to fading.
🔩 3. Foundry Industry
Gilsonite acts as a carbon additive and binder in foundry sand mixtures, helping to:
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Improve mold surface finish
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Reduce gas defects
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Increase green compressive strength
Other industrial applications of Industrial Grade Natural asphalt include foundry molding and carbon black production. In foundries, it improves mold strength, reduces gas defects, and enhances surface finish in metal casting processes. In carbon black production, Gilsonite is used as a feedstock to produce high-quality carbon black, which finds applications in rubber, ink, and pigment industries.
🛢️ 4. Oil & Gas Well Construction
In drilling and cementing, industrial Gilsonite helps:
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Reduce fluid loss
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Seal permeable formations
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Strengthen the cement sheath
In the oil and gas industry, Gilsonite is utilized in drilling fluids. It functions as a high-performance additive, providing excellent shale inhibition and reducing fluid loss. It helps improve wellbore stability, prevent differential sticking, and enhance drilling efficiency. Additionally, it can be used as a lost circulation material to seal off zones of lost circulation during drilling operations.
🧪 5. Adhesives & Sealants
Its natural tackiness and compatibility with hydrocarbon resins make it ideal for:
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Pressure-sensitive adhesives
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Waterproof sealants
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Rubber compounding
Benefits of Using Industrial Grade Gilsonite
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✅ Eco-Friendly: Natural, non-toxic, and low environmental impact
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✅ Cost-Effective: Replaces synthetic resins and additives
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✅ Versatile: Works across industries like construction, energy, and manufacturing
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✅ Durable: Enhances strength, heat resistance, and lifespan of end products
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✅ Thermoplastic: Reacts well to heat and pressure in industrial processes
FAQs – Industrial Grade Gilsonite Powder
What makes Gilsonite “industrial grade”?
It refers to grades of Gilsonite refined or sorted for specific industrial uses based on ash content, softening point, and purity level.
How is it packaged for industrial use?
Gilsonite is available in:
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25kg bags, jumbo bags, or bulk powder
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Mesh sizes from 20 to 200 mesh or in granular form
Is Gilsonite compatible with polymers and resins?
Yes, it blends well with synthetic polymers, oils, and resins, improving viscosity, bonding, and thermal performance.
How is industrial Gilsonite powder different from other grades?
It is processed for consistency and tailored for industrial use, offering controlled mesh sizes, purity levels, and softening points for specific applications.
Is industrial Gilsonite powder compatible with synthetic resins?
Yes. Gilsonite blends well with hydrocarbon resins, rosin esters, and rubber-based compounds, enhancing performance in hybrid formulas.
What mesh sizes are available?
Common sizes range from 30 mesh to 200 mesh, depending on application requirements.
Is Gilsonite eco-friendly?
Gilsonite is a natural, non-toxic, and non-hazardous mineral with a lower environmental footprint compared to synthetic petrochemical additives.
Conclusion – Why Use Industrial Grade Gilsonite?
Industrial Grade Gilsonite is a versatile, cost-effective solution used in a broad range of industries for its:
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✔️ High-performance binding and sealing properties
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✔️ Resistance to heat, weather, and chemicals
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✔️ Compatibility with polymers and resins
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✔️ Long-term durability and eco-friendliness
Whether you’re in construction, manufacturing, or energy, Gilsonite enhances product quality, longevity, and cost-efficiency. Industrial Grade Gilsonite is a versatile and valuable material with numerous applications across various industries.
Its unique properties contribute to improved performance, durability, and aesthetic qualities in construction materials, paints and coatings, inks, drilling fluids, and more. By incorporating Industrial Grade Gilsonite into industrial processes, manufacturers can achieve enhanced product quality, performance, and efficiency in their respective industries.
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Industrial grade Gilsonite usage
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Gilsonite in manufacturing industry
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Natural asphalt for industry
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Gilsonite foundry sand additive
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Oilfield grade Gilsonite powder
🏭 Need High-Quality Industrial Grade Gilsonite?
We supply:
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✔️ Tailored mesh sizes and grades
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✔️ Custom formulations for specific industries
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✔️ Global shipping and technical support
📩 Contact us now for product specs, pricing, or samples! For more information or to place an order, please contact PUB-Ltd sales team @ Contact Us. PUB-Ltd as your Premium Gilsonite Supplier. Our Expert will be in touch with you to guide you about the Industrial Grade Gilsonite, that can be produced according to your project requirements.