High-Performance Thermoplastic Paint for Durable Road Markings with Embedded Glass Beads

                               Product Description                                      

Thermoplastic paint is a type of road marking material that becomes soft and moldable when heated and solidifies upon cooling. It is widely used for creating durable, reflective road markings, such as lines, symbols, and signs on highways and streets.

Key Characteristics:

1. Composition:

   • Binders: Typically resins that provide adhesion.
   • Pigments: For color, commonly white (titanium dioxide) or yellow (lead-free alternatives).
   • Glass Beads: Added for retroreflectivity, enhancing night-time visibility.
   • Fillers: Such as calcium carbonate, for bulk and stability.

2. Application:

   • The paint is heated to 180-200°C (356-392°F) during application to achieve a liquid state.
   • It is applied using specialized equipment in layers that cool quickly, forming a solid, durable marking.

3. Advantages:

   • Highly durable, with a lifespan of 3-5 years depending on traffic and environmental conditions.
   • Reflective properties due to embedded glass beads.
   • Resistant to wear, UV light, and adverse weather conditions.

4. Common Uses:

   • Road lines (centerlines, edge lines).
   • Pedestrian crossings and parking lot markings.
   • Symbols and arrows on road surfaces.

Thermoplastic paint is valued for its long-term performance and visibility, making it a preferred choice for high-traffic areas.

            Detailed Process of Hot Melt Paint Construction             

1. Prepare the Surface

• Cleaning: Ensure the surface is free of dirt, grease, oil, dust, and loose debris.
• Repair: Fix cracks or uneven areas to create a smooth surface.
• Drying: The surface must be dry to ensure proper adhesion

2. Mark the Layout

• Use chalk, tapes, or temporary markers to outline the areas to be painted (lines, symbols, or shapes).
• Verify measurements against specifications or local standards.

3. Heat the Thermoplastic Paint

• Use a melting kettle or thermoplastic preheater to melt the paint.
• Heat to the recommended temperature, typically 180–220°C (356–428°F).
• Avoid overheating, as it may degrade the paint and affect quality.
• Stir continuously to ensure uniform consistency.

4. Primer Application (if required)

• Apply a primer to the surface if recommended by the manufacturer.
• This is especially needed for non-porous surfaces like concrete or asphalt.
• Allow the primer to dry before applying the paint.

5. Apply the Paint

• Screed Method: Use a screed box to create uniform thickness for road markings.
• Spray Method: Use a spray machine for even application on large or irregular areas.
• Extrusion Method: For thicker, raised markings.
• Hand Application: For small areas or repairs, manually pour and spread the molten paint.
• Preformed Thermoplastic: Lay pre-cut sheets or symbols on the surface and heat with a propane torch until adhered.

6. Check and Correct

After the coating is completed, check and correct the line shape, check the spread of glass beads, etc.

After confirming that it is correct, the construction site will be cleaned up.

After the line is dried and hardened, the relevant construction equipment can be transferred, the safety facilities can be dismantled, and the traffic can be opened.

                    Application of Thermoplastic Paint                           

1. Road and Highway Markings:

Lane Markings: Solid lines, dashed lines, and lane dividers to direct traffic flow and indicate lanes.

Edge Lines: To define the boundaries of the road.

Center Lines: To separate lanes of traffic moving in opposite directions.

Chevron and Diagonal Markings: To guide drivers through curves, intersections, and dangerous areas.

Pedestrian Crossings: High-visibility markings for pedestrian areas on roads, ensuring safety for pedestrians.

Bus Lanes & Special Traffic Lanes: Dedicated lanes for public transportation or special vehicles, clearly marked for easy identification.

2. Urban Roads and Streets:

Stop Lines & Give Way Lines: Markings to define stopping positions at intersections.

Parking Lot Markings: Used in commercial, residential, and public parking areas to delineate parking spaces.

Bicycle Lanes: Clearly defined lanes for cyclists to ensure their safety on the roads.

Pedestrian Crosswalks: Highly reflective lines to ensure pedestrian safety and visibility.

Traffic Symbols: Arrow markings, road signs, and special symbols for directional guidance.

3. Airport Runways and Taxiways:

Runway Markings: For both day and night visibility to guide aircraft safely during landing and takeoff.

Taxiway Markings: Indicate the safe paths for aircraft movement on the ground.

Threshold and Centerline Markings: Provide guidance for pilots during approach and takeoff.

4. Safety and Hazard Markings:

Warning Markings: Used to highlight areas of potential danger, such as sharp turns, construction zones, or pedestrian crossings.

Hazard Markings: For locations such as narrow roads, sharp curves, or hazardous construction zones.

Road Reflectors: Often applied with hot melt paint to improve night-time visibility and reflectivity.

5. Signage and Symbols:

Directional Arrows: To direct traffic in a specific direction.

Symbols: Used for specific traffic instructions, such as "no parking," pedestrian symbols, or vehicle restrictions.

Road Signs: Temporary or permanent markings indicating regulations like speed limits, lane closures, etc.

6. Sports Fields and Recreational Areas:

Track & Field Markings: Hot melt paint can be used for marking lanes on tracks or fields used for sports like soccer, football, or basketball.

Playground Markings: To designate play areas, boundaries, or game-specific lines.

7. Special Applications:

Industrial Markings: Used in factory environments for floor markings, aisle markings, and safety demarcation.

Railway Tracks and Stations: Applied for demarcating safe zones, pathways, and directional indicators for trains and pedestrians.

Application Methods:

Hot Application (Extrusion or Screeding):

The paint is melted and applied directly to the surface using a screeding machine.

The liquid paint is applied in a controlled layer, creating even thickness.

This method is commonly used for highway and large-scale projects, as it offers quick application and excellent bonding.

Spray Application:

The paint is melted and sprayed using specialized equipment, providing a smooth and even finish.

Ideal for more detailed applications, such as symbols, logos, or intricate markings.

Preformed Thermoplastic Sheets:

Pre-cut thermoplastic sheets can be applied to road surfaces, especially for high-traffic areas or to make highly visible markings (like pedestrian crossings).

These sheets are heated and bonded to the surface, providing durable markings.

Machine Extrusion:

Involves using an extrusion machine to lay down a layer of melted thermoplastic directly on the road surface, creating a thick, durable marking.

This method ensures uniformity in thickness and ensures proper adhesion to the surface.

                  Tips for Safe and Effective Application                      

• Protective Gear: Wear gloves, heat-resistant clothing, and safety goggles.
• Temperature Control: Monitor paint temperature to avoid overheating.
• Traffic Management: Use barricades or warning signs to manage traffic during application.
• Weather Conditions: Avoid application during rain or extreme temperatures.

By following these steps, thermoplastic paint can be effectively applied to create durable, high-quality road or surface markings.

                               Technical Specification