Application of Thermoplastic Paint in Road Markings
Thermoplastic paint have emerged as a crucial material in the field of road markings, offering numerous advantages that contribute to the safety and efficiency of road transportation systems.
I. Introduction to Thermoplastic Paint for Road Markings
Thermoplastic paint used in road markings are typically composed of resins, pigments, fillers, and additives. The resins provide the adhesive and cohesive properties, ensuring the coating adheres firmly to the road surface and maintains its integrity. Pigments are added to give the markings their distinct colors, such as white for lane dividers and yellow for center lines, enhancing visibility. Fillers improve the durability and mechanical strength of the coating, while additives may be used to modify properties like drying time and resistance to weathering.
II. Application Process
1. Surface Preparation: Before applying the hot melt coating, the road surface must be thoroughly cleaned. This involves removing dirt, debris, oil, and any loose materials. Sweeping, pressure washing, or using specialized cleaning equipment is common. A dry and clean surface is essential for proper adhesion of the coating.
2. Melting and Application: The hot melt paint material is heated in a specialized melting kettle to a specific temperature range, usually between 180 - 220 degrees Celsius. Once melted, it can be applied using various methods. One common approach is through a thermoplastic sprayer or a squeegee. For example, in the case of spraying, the molten coating is evenly sprayed onto the road surface in the desired pattern. When using a squeegee, the melted coating is poured onto the road and then spread evenly to the required thickness, usually around 1.5 - 3 millimeters for standard road markings.
3. Drying and Curing: After application, the hot - melt coating cools and solidifies rapidly. This quick - drying property minimizes the disruption to traffic flow during the marking process. Once solidified, the coating forms a durable and hard layer that can withstand the heavy loads and friction from vehicle tires.
III. Advantages in Road Markings
1. High Durability: Thermoplastic paints are highly resistant to wear and abrasion caused by the continuous passage of vehicles. They can maintain their visibility and integrity for an extended period, reducing the need for frequent repainting. This durability is especially important on high - traffic roads and highways.
2. Excellent Visibility: The pigments in hot - melt paint provide bright and clear colors that are highly visible under various lighting conditions, including daylight, headlights at night, and in wet weather. This enhanced visibility helps drivers clearly identify lanes, crosswalks, and other important road markings, improving road safety.
3. Adhesion to the Road Surface: The strong adhesion of hot melt coatings to different types of road surfaces, such as asphalt and concrete, ensures that the markings stay in place. They are less likely to peel off or become damaged due to weather changes or the mechanical stress of traffic.
4. Weather Resistance: These paints are designed to withstand a wide range of weather conditions, including rain, snow, sunlight, and temperature variations. They do not fade easily and can maintain their performance characteristics over time.
IV. Specification
Density (g/cm3) | 1.8-2.3 |
Softening point(℃) | 90-125 |
Compressive strength(MPa) | ≥12 |
Glass bead content(%) | 0-30%(Customized) |
Liquidity | 35±10 |
Packing | 25kg/bag±0.2 |
Color | White/Yellow/Blue/Green/Customized |
Executive standard | JT/T280-2004/AASHTO/BS3262/Customized |
Appearance | Powder |
Construction temperature | 180℃-220℃ |
Whiteness | 70-85(Customized) |
Inverse coefficient | 50-550 |
Warranty | 365days |
Storage Method | Avoid light and moisture |
Packing size | 45×70×5cm |
V. Conclusion
In conclusion, thermoplastic paints have revolutionized road markings with their unique combination of durability, visibility, adhesion, and weather resistance. Their proper application ensures clear and long - lasting road markings, which are vital for the safe and efficient operation of our road networks. Continued research and development in this area are expected to further improve the performance of hot - melt coatings in road applications, contributing to enhanced road safety for all road users.