Standards used for different bitumen classifications
(Bitumen classification based on penetration degree at 25°C) ASTM D946 and AASHTO M20
(Bitumen classification based on viscosity at 60°C) ASTM D3381 and AASHTO M226
(Bitumen classification based on performance grade (PG)) ASTM D6373 and AASHTO M320
; etc.NF EN; BS EN; DIN EN (Bitumen classification based on penetration rate at 25°C) EN 12591
(Bitumen classification based on viscosity at 60°C) AS 2008
(RTFOT Bitumen classification based on penetration rate at 25°C; Bitumen classification based on viscosity at 60°C after testing) SABS 307
IS 73 (India)
In 2007, the classification based on penetration rate was changed to viscosity classification (based on viscosity at 60°C); however, modified bitumens
.are still classified based on penetration rate (according to the aforementioned standard)(CRMB) with rubber powder

Polymer modified bitumens

ASTM D5976; ASTM D5840; ASTM D5841

Based on the type of polymer used; Now obsolete in the USA, but still used in some developing countries

ASTM D6373 and AASHTO M320

Bitumens classified by performance grade (PG) applicable to pure bitumens as well as polymer-modified bitumens.

EN 14023

Quality control of polymer-modified bitumens

Characterization according to standards developed by AUSTROADS (Australia), Australian Standards for Road Construction, Planning and Design

Bitumen emulsions (anionic; cationic; unmodified; polymer-modified)

Anionic emulsions USA: ASTM D977 and AASHTO M140

Cationic emulsions USA: ASTM D 2397 and AASHTO M208; Polymer-modified bitumen emulsions: AASHTO M316
Europe: Harmonized standard EN 13808 for unmodified and polymer-modified cationic emulsions
Appendices. (A wide range of specifications for bitumen emulsions is available internationally; many of which are technically incorrect and misleading.)

Soluble bitumens

ASTM D2026, ASTM D2027 and ASTM D2028 for fast-setting and slow-setting soluble bitumens

AASHTO M81 and AASHTO M82 for fast-setting and slow-setting soluble bitumens

EN 15522 for fluidized bitumen binders and soluble bitumens

With the rapid advancements in renewable energy, the future of petroleum products in the energy industry faces challenges. Renewable sources like solar, wind, and hydro energy are gaining attention as clean and sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels.
These advancements significantly affect the global demand for petroleum products. Countries and oil companies are now seeking to diversify their income sources and invest in clean energy initiatives.
Nevertheless, petroleum products still play a vital role in heavy industries and transportation and are expected to remain irreplaceable for the next few decades. Combining traditional and new energy sources may create a more sustainable path for the future of the energy industry.

The use of petroleum products brings various environmental challenges. The combustion of fossil fuels produces greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, which negatively impact climate change.
Crude oil spills in natural environments, especially oceans, cause irreversible damage to ecosystems. Additionally, oil extraction leads to the destruction of natural environments, forests, and agricultural lands.
To address these challenges, methods such as optimizing energy consumption, developing electric vehicles, and producing low-pollution fuels have been introduced. The future of the energy industry requires serious efforts to reduce environmental impact and preserve natural resources.

Petroleum products are one of the main influencers of global and local economies. As primary energy sources, they play an important role in industries, production, transportation, and energy supply. The pricing of petroleum products directly affects inflation rates, transportation costs, and the cost of goods production.
Oil-producing countries such as Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Russia rely on petroleum exports as their primary source of revenue. Moreover, the dependency of oil-consuming countries on these resources makes global oil price fluctuations significantly impact their economies.
With the development of renewable energy sources, the future role of petroleum products is expected to diminish. Such changes could have substantial effects on the global economy and on countries heavily reliant on oil revenue.

Crude oil is one of the most significant natural resources, requiring refinement after extraction to be transformed into usable products. Oil refining is a complex process that involves several stages: distillation, cracking, catalytic reforming, and finishing processes.
The first stage, crude oil distillation, is conducted in refineries. In this stage, crude oil is separated into various components, such as gas, gasoline, kerosene, diesel, and asphalt, using heat. The cracking stage breaks larger molecules into smaller ones to produce lighter fuels. Catalytic reforming is essential to increase the quality and quantity of fuels.
Every refinery is equipped with modern facilities and technologies to improve efficiency and minimize environmental impact. With technological advancements, methods for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and recycling oil waste have been introduced.

Petroleum products are among the most essential energy resources in the world, playing a key role in modern human life. These products include various fuels such as gasoline, diesel, kerosene, asphalt, industrial oils, and many others. They serve not only as the primary source of energy for transportation and electricity generation but also as raw materials in chemical industries.
The impact of petroleum products in daily life is extensive. For instance, gasoline and diesel are the main fuels for vehicles, facilitating easier transportation for people. Kerosene is used as heating fuel in many colder regions. Additionally, plastics, rubbers, and numerous consumer goods are derived from petroleum materials.
However, heavy dependence on petroleum products brings challenges, including environmental pollution and the adverse effects of fossil fuel consumption on climate change. Therefore, considerable research and investments have been made to develop sustainable alternatives, such as renewable energy sources.