Asphalt can be ignited provided the ambient temperature is sufficiently elevated. When the temperature exceeds 300°C, natural asphalt undergoes thermal decomposition, generating lighter molecules that facilitate easier combustion.
At refineries, asphalt is combustible at temperatures above 600°C. When the asphalt content in asphalt concrete exceeds 25%, its calorific value exceeds 1500kcal/kg, akin to the heat value of stone coal found in the Jiande region of Zhejiang.
It is also flammable under appropriate engineering conditions (temperature over 800 degrees, finely crushed, thoroughly mixed, sufficient oxygen, etc.), although achieving complete combustion can be difficult.
