Pelletized Thermoplastic Road Marking Binder System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermoplastic road marking materials are supplied in powdered form, making them difficult to handle and apply efficiently in road marking machines, and there is a need for improved materials and compositions that can enhance the performance of road markings.
Innovation Solution
A pelletized binder system comprising alkyd resin, elastomer, and optional plasticizer, which are combined into homogeneous pellets to minimize melting time and improve the efficiency of road marking machines, and can be mixed with other components like fillers and pigments to form durable and reflective road markings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If thermoplastic road marking materials are supplied in powdered form, then they can be easily stored and transported, but they are difficult to handle and apply efficiently in road marking machines
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses composite binder materials combining thermoplastic polymers with elastomers or asphaltic binders in pellet form, which maintains storage and transport advantages while significantly improving handling and application efficiency in road marking machines
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical form parameter from powdered to pelletized binder materials, and modifies the chemical composition parameters by incorporating elastomers or asphaltic binders, thereby improving both handling ease and application efficiency simultaneously
2Productivity
If conventional thermoplastic binders are used, then the formulation is simple, but the melting time required for application is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the binder by incorporating elastomers or asphaltic binders with different melting characteristics, thereby reducing the melting time required for application while maintaining formulation simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates composite binder systems that combine thermoplastic polymers with elastomers or asphaltic binders, where the composite structure enables faster melting and application compared to conventional single-component thermoplastic binders
3Reliability
If conventional road marking compositions are used, then the application process is straightforward, but the durability and erosion resistance of road markings are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses composite binder materials combining thermoplastic polymers with elastomers or asphaltic binders, which significantly enhances the durability and erosion resistance of road markings while maintaining relatively straightforward application processes
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies different binder components with specific local properties - thermoplastic polymers provide structural integrity while elastomers or asphaltic binders provide flexibility and adhesion, creating a composition with optimized local qualities for enhanced durability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The pelletized binder system reduces the melting time required for application, enhances durability and erosion resistance of road markings, and facilitates easier handling and processing, improving the overall efficiency and effectiveness of road marking compositions.
Implementation Method 1
The pelletized binder system reduces the melting time required for application
Implementation Method 2
at least an elastomer in an amount of 1 to 40 wt. %, the elastomer being selected from styrene-isoprene-styrene rubber (SIS), styrene-butadiene-styrene rubber (SBS), styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene (SEBS)
Data Source
AI summary
A composition for use as a binder system for road marking formulations and methods for making thereof is disclosed. The binder system is provided as pellets. The method provides for making the pelletized binder system, and mixing the pelletized binder system with fillers and other components, heating the mixed ingredients forming into a molten mixture for applying on a road surface. The pelletized binder system comprises at least a resin and an elastomer in one embodiment; at least a resin and a plasticizer in a second embodiment; and at least a resin, an elastomer, and a plasticizer in a third embodiment.