APPLICATION AND CHARACTERISTICS OF WATERBORNE ROAD MARKING PAINT

Babić, Darko; Burghardt, Tomasz E.; Babić, Darko · 2015 · OpenAlex-citations

DOI: 10.7708/ijtte.2015.5(2).06

archive: archived pipeline: cataloged verified

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Summary

This paper addresses the selection and characteristics of horizontal road marking materials, with a specific focus on contemporary waterborne paints. The research is motivated by the critical role road markings play in traffic safety, particularly regarding visibility and accident reduction, alongside growing concerns for environmental impact and human health. While traditional solventborne paints have been used for over a century, they suffer from poor durability and significant environmental hazards due to high Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions. The authors aim to evaluate waterborne acrylic paints, which utilize a quick-set chemical mechanism developed in the 1990s, as a sustainable alternative that offers improved durability and minimal environmental footprint. The study employs a comparative review methodology, analyzing various road marking systems including thermoplastics, two-component (epoxy, urethane, polyurea) systems, coldplastics, tapes, and both solventborne and waterborne paints. The analysis categorizes these materials based on chemistry, solvent type, durability, cost, and health/environmental risks. Specific attention is given to the physical properties of retroreflectivity, which relies on the embedment of glass beads, and the operational constraints of each material. The paper also incorporates preliminary results from trial applications of waterborne paints in Croatia to assess their real-world performance against theoretical characteristics. Key findings indicate that waterborne paints offer significantly higher durability and a drastically reduced impact on human health and the environment compared to solventborne alternatives, with VOC levels below 50 g/l. However, they exhibit distinct weaknesses: a risk of washout if rain occurs before the paint cures and sluggish development of washout resistance under marginal conditions such as high humidity and low temperatures. In contrast, solventborne paints dry reliably in adverse weather but have poor durability and high toxicity. Other materials like thermoplastics and two-component systems offer high durability but involve higher costs, complex application requirements, or significant health hazards (e.g., isocyanates in polyurethanes, corrosive amines in epoxies). The study notes that while waterborne paints dry faster than solventborne ones under favorable conditions, their application is best suited for warm, dry weather. The significance of this work lies in providing a comprehensive framework for road authorities to make informed decisions regarding road marking procurement. By highlighting the trade-offs between durability, environmental safety, and application constraints, the paper supports the transition toward waterborne technologies in regions like Croatia and other countries not yet fully embracing them. It suggests that intelligent selection based on local climate and traffic conditions can optimize safety and sustainability, moving away from price-only procurement models toward functional contracts that prioritize long-term performance and ecological criteria.

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• signage environment