Thermoplastics for applying marking to asphalt

The longevity and visibility of asphalt markings are important factors in road safety. One of the most popular materials for applying these crucial markings is thermoplastic. Their durability and robustness make them a dependable option for high-traffic areas, which contributes to their popularity.

Glass beads, pigments, and synthetic resin are heated to create thermoplastic road markings. The mixture becomes a liquid that is simple to apply to asphalt surfaces once heated. The substance solidifies and forms a solid bond with the asphalt when it cools. This process produces markings that are resistant to weather and wear and tear from frequent vehicle movement.

The reflectivity of thermoplastics is one of their main advantages. The material’s embedded glass beads improve road marking visibility, particularly at night and in inclement weather. Its reflective characteristic is essential for directing vehicles and averting collisions. In addition, thermoplastics have a fast drying time, which makes it possible for roads to reopen sooner after application.

The environmental resilience of thermoplastics is another benefit of their use. Thermoplastic markings, in contrast to traditional paint, are more resilient to UV rays and extreme temperatures. Because of their durability, the markings need less upkeep and reapplication because they stay visible and functional for a longer amount of time.

To sum up, thermoplastics provide an excellent way to mark roads on asphalt. Because of their strength, reflectivity, and ease of application, they are a great option for improving traffic safety. The use of thermoplastics is increasing, demonstrating the value of these materials in contemporary infrastructure, as more cities and municipalities place a higher priority on durable and visible road markings.

Thermoplastics and its features

Novel material offers a lot of benefits. The primary benefit is that it is more durable, dependable, and practical than the regular colors that were previously used to mark sidewalks and roads. produced with consideration for GOST R 52575-2006 norms. intended to leave markings on coatings that are horizontal:

• asphalt concrete roads;
• open parking lots and parking;
• urban transport stops;
• pedestrian crossings.

The industrial sector also uses thermoplastic. Ideal for labeling production workshops, unloading platforms, and warehouses. Its application at a temperature of +180 degrees Celsius is one of its characteristics. This calls for the use of a unique extruder/shear technique.

Physico-chemical characteristics

Mixture with a fallow shape that is easy to load, transport, and use. There are lumps up to 10 mm in the consistency of the light gray sand. Among the essential qualities are the following:

• The density in a hardened state is 1.85/2.2 g/cube. cm;
• softening temperature – 80 degrees Celsius;
• brightness – 75%;
• Cutting time – about 10 minutes at a temperature of +18 … +22 degrees Celsius and humidity 60–70%;
• The rate of expiration is 4.0 g/s;
• The operating temperature range is approximately 180–205 degrees Celsius.

When applying road marking, the thermoplaster consumption is about 8 kg/sq. m with a maximum layer thickness of 4 mm. The typical thickness is between two and four millimeters.

Glass rod-containing mixtures are created to enhance the reflective effect in the dark. They ought to make up at least 20% of the mass in total. Following the manufacturer’s instructions is advised for optimal results.

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The composition of thermoplasty

During the production process, the following materials can be utilized:

• polyester/oil polymer resins;
• transformer oil;
• organic pigments;
• marble screening, porcelain crumb and other white fillers;
• sand;
• Titanus/zinc dioxide;
• plasticizers;
• additives that enhance consumer qualities.

Even though there is a single recipe for getting thermoplasty, every manufacturer tries to follow its own formula. You should thoroughly familiarize yourself with it and review its essential technical features before purchasing.

This material comes in various forms. Their compatibility with other marginal materials and with each other is what makes them unique. Fractional fillers are often used in conjunction with thermoplastic.

Types of thermoplasty

Polyester resin is the basis of the composition that works the best. Excellent for highways with light traffic volumes. resistant to abrupt changes in air temperature and seasonal shifts.

Oil-polymer thermoplastics are used for coatings applied to asphalt concrete. It is renowned for its ability to withstand heavier loads and for having an improved reflective quality that guarantees road traffic safety.

Advantages and disadvantages of thermoplasty

The best quality of this material’s many benefits is its outstanding surface adhesion. Thermoplastics adhere firmly to other coatings, including asphalt. The clutch coefficient satisfies global requirements. The following are some additional benefits:

• high speed of drying (does not allow lubrication of marking);
• excellent resistance to abrasion (bald spots are not formed on the surface);
• moderate consumption of material (provides tangible savings of funds);
• Preservation of excellent visibility even under adverse conditions (strong storm, snowfall, dense fog).

Regretfully, there is one major disadvantage to thermoplasty. Increased sliding when striking a painted marking area is what we’re talking about. This effect is lessened when reflecting balls are present. By including quartz sand in the thermoplasty mixture, it can be totally eliminated; however, marking expenses will rise as a result.

For asphalt surfaces, thermoplastic road markings offer a remarkably robust and efficient way to create distinct and long-lasting traffic lines. When applied to the pavement in a molten state, these materials form bright, reflective lines that are resistant to weather and heavy traffic. They also bond to the pavement securely and quickly. In comparison to conventional paints, this technique performs better, guaranteeing road safety and visibility for both cars and pedestrians.

Transportation and storage of thermoplasty

As was already mentioned, there are no problems with this bulk material’s transportation. It is oriented toward plastic bags for ease. Notably, a lot of professionals use Tara to prepare thermoplastics, or warm them up. The dissolution and additional filling properties of polyethylene are contingent upon the specific composition and properties of the thermoplasty procedure.

There are two things to consider when storing this material:

1. Keep bags in dark rooms where sun rays do not penetrate.
2. Monitor the level of air humidity.

The most crucial requirement is the final one. When heating thermoplasty to the operating temperature, a water hit may cause it to boil. This results in the creation of air bubbles, which deteriorates the marking’s structure as it cures. The material’s fluidity is diminished in this way.

The resin used in thermoplasty softens with prolonged exposure to sunlight. This may help with powder material sintering. The formation of a dense piece makes it more difficult to load the material into the extruder boiler.

The technology of marking thermoplastics

The SNiP guidelines and the legal documents governing this procedure must be followed in order for the roadburn designations to be of the highest caliber and longevity. There are various key phases, and each needs to be taken into consideration independently.

Preparation of the coating

This is a crucial stage that determines the marking’s dependability and resilience to outside influences. The surface has been fully dried and cleared of all dust and debris. When the air temperature is at least +10 degrees Celsius, these works are not advised. If not, burners will need to be used to heat the road.

Since this is how the ideal thermoplastic curing time is obtained, +60 degrees Celsius is the maximum temperature that can be tolerated. The previous marking needs to be eliminated entirely. Its presence causes thermoplasty adhesion to decrease, and over time, it starts to exfoliate.

The technique used

Marking is made with an extruder. He heats thermoplastics to the proper consistency. The material in the hopper is thoroughly mixed by hydraulic blades. This enables you to produce a homogenous mass devoid of lumps and reach the required consistency. Thermoplastic is injected into the guides and then onto the road. Should reflective components be added, they are placed in a different bunker.

Devices for manual labeling that are frequently used. These serve as a guide for preparing and melting the material. In this instance, stencils are used to apply thermoplastics to the canvas.

Melting thermoplasty

Three to five kilograms of thermoplasty can be loaded into one batch. Maintaining a constant temperature of +160 degrees Celsius requires approximately 40 minutes for mixing.

Solid particles are redistributed when mixed, and this includes:

• fillers;
• pigments;
• Glasses.

Melt homogenization takes place after the allotted amount of time. Thermoplastics obtain stable characteristics and are prepared for use on roads.

Some experts think that the material needs to be mixed for one to three hours at a temperature between +140 and +160 degrees Celsius in order to reach the appropriate consistency. In this instance, the components in the melt are guaranteed to be distributed evenly.

Marking on the road

Following the guidelines provided by the thermoplasty manufacturer is essential at this point. These represent the acceptable ranges for the ambient temperature and air relative humidity. If you don’t follow these guidelines, the marking will eventually sustain the following damage:

This is particularly evident in harsh circumstances: abrupt stops, quick acceleration, and turns. exacerbates the situation and the need for studded tires during the winter months: if thermoplasty is applied without following the manufacturer’s instructions, protruding parts may cause damage to the markings.

The gas burner needs to supply more gas to make up for the decreased coating temperature. Of course, thermoplastics will stick to the surface, but as the road gradually warms up during the warm season, the marking will start to crack. Not even the composition’s elasticity can make up for this effect.

The effect of moisture on the surface of asphalt concrete

Thermoplasty’s hydrophobic qualities are directly influenced by the types of resin used in its composition and application:

• polyester – air humidity not more than 85–90%, 2-3 hours after the rain;
• oilopolymer – up to 70% and after 12 hours after precipitation.

When thermoplastics are applied to a wet surface, they pass through themselves in pairs and rise from the surface of the road before fully curing. Consequently, recognizable craters show up on the markup. Adhesion is reduced as a result.

Thermoplastic Material	Description
Standard Thermoplastic	Commonly used for road markings, offering durability and quick drying times.
Reflective Thermoplastic	Contains glass beads to enhance visibility at night or in low light conditions.
High-Performance Thermoplastic	Designed for areas with heavy traffic, providing increased wear resistance.

Thermoplastics are a great option for marking asphalt because of their visibility and durability. These materials are perfect for long-lasting road markings because they can resist severe weather and heavy traffic. Road safety is improved by their vivid colors and reflective qualities, which make them visible to cars day or night.

The simplicity of application of thermoplastic markings is one of their main advantages. Road closure times and traffic interruptions are reduced by their speedy and effective application. Because of its efficiency, maintenance can be completed quickly, maintaining road safety without posing a serious risk to drivers.

Thermoplastic markings have many practical benefits, but they are also eco-friendly. Numerous formulations are made to have few hazardous emissions, and they last longer, so there’s less need for frequent reapplication. This lessens the overall environmental impact of road maintenance while also conserving resources.

All things considered, thermoplastics provide an environmentally responsible, dependable, and effective way to mark roads on asphalt surfaces. They are a great option for keeping safe and clearly marked roads because of their durability, visibility, and ease of use. Road authorities can guarantee durable, high-quality road markings that improve everyone’s driving conditions by selecting thermoplastics.

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