Sun Gilsonite is the natural asphalt brand of BASEKIM Kimyasal Ürünler, a petroleum and petrochemical trading and production group active in more than 50 countries. BASEKIM has companies and offices in Turkey (Ankara, Istanbul) and the United Arab Emirates (Dubai).
What we do
We supply gilsonite in all commercial forms — lump, granular, powder and micronized — together with drilling-grade products such as sulphonated asphalt. Our material is selected, crushed, screened, milled and packed under controlled conditions so that every grade meets the particle size, ash content and softening point our customers specify.
Our customers
We serve drilling-fluid and cementing service companies, asphalt and road contractors, foundries, and paint, coating and printing-ink manufacturers. Supplying the right grade for each industry — and delivering it on time — is the core of our business.
Our values
- Quality first: every lot is tested and documented.
- Honest service: clear specifications, realistic delivery dates and fast answers.
- Long-term partnership: we aim to be a trusted, responsible partner for our customers.
Typical gilsonite properties
Gilsonite Powder
| Property | Typical value | Test method |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Black to dark brown powder | Visual |
| Particle size | 100 – 200 mesh | Sieve |
| Softening point (R&B) | 150 – 220 °C | ASTM D36 |
| Ash content, max | 5 % | ASTM D3174 |
| Moisture, max | 1 % | ASTM D95 |
| Volatile matter | 55 – 75 % | ASTM D3175 |
| Solubility in toluene, min | 99 % | ASTM D2042 |
| Specific gravity @ 25°C | 1.04 – 1.10 | ASTM D70 |
| Typical dosage | Drilling 2–8 lb/bbl · asphalt 4–12 % of binder · foundry 0.3–1.0 % | |
| Packing | 25 kg multi-wall paper or PP bags, palletized and stretch-wrapped; 1 MT jumbo bags. | |
Typical values. The final specification is confirmed in the COA of each shipment.