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This article shows how new regulations by the USA's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are making thermoplastic road markings more popular, and discusses some other recent advances in road marking. The EPA has recommended that, from 1996 on, no solvent-based paints should be used in road-marking materials. US government agencies and contractors have started to look for acceptable substitutes. One possibility, now being promoted, is special quick-drying, 'thin-mil' thermoplastic formulations, which are claimed to last up to three times longer than water-based paints. Such products are being pioneered by Pavemark and other manufacturers. Manufacturers consider that it may not be long before the European Union (EU) proposes non- solvent regulations for all types of paint. There could be a growing market for two-component marking products based on methyl methacrylate resin. A new temporary road marking tape is using an advanced pressure-sensitive adhesive. The Ecodyn system can examine up to 300km of markings a day at speeds over 100kph, with real-time analysis. Some recent advances in road-marking equipment and containers for road- marking materials are also described.

Language

  • English

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Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00713409
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
  • Files: ITRD
  • Created Date: Nov 22 1995 12:00AM