What Makes Thermoplastics Great for Roads?
When it comes to highway, road, and parking lot maintenance, using the best materials will help to ensure the longest pavement lifespan possible. Numerous materials make up our roadways and parking lots, such as the asphalt itself, a sealant, and the road markings. While the first two components provide a smooth, durable driving surface, the latter provides safety and order for all drivers. When promoting safety in this way, it is best to utilize thermoplastics.
Durability
Thermoplastics consist of numerous, varied compounds. Acrylic, polycarbonate, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) are three common substances in thermoplastic road markings. Thermoplastic itself has multiple applications besides road markings, but in this role, it proves to be highly durable, unlike paint, which may crack, chip, peel, and fade quicker.
Visibility
Paint dye fuses into the thermoplastic during the manufacturing process, so the material has consistent thickness and color throughout it. It has the great benefit of customizability in that one can tailor the paint color and finish according to the project’s specifications. Manufacturers may also infuse glass beads into thermoplastics, giving the road markings reflectivity in low-visibility conditions.
Resistance to Toxins
The pavement is at its peak when it can withstand all toxins and debris from seeping through its surface. Sealcoating preserves the entire pavement in general, but your road paint can also be chemical and stain resistant. Thermoplastics will resist oil spills, harsh weather, dirt, and industrial cleaners without losing its color. Some thermoplastic compounds can even resist graffiti.
Environmental Friendliness
Thermoplastics are a great way to maintain and mark roadways, yet they also have the additional benefit of environmental friendliness. They are free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and are absolutely recyclable. Their manufacturing process does not produce any hazardous waste. All around, it is an environmentally-friendly product to make, use, and repurpose.
Code Compliance
Lastly, thermoplastics are code compliant. Although not strictly for road striping services, thermoplastic meets the smoke, toxic gas, and flammability requirements for industrial interior applications. Because it is biocompatible, it is also the perfect material for medical devices. Moreover, people use thermoplastics every day through plastic bags, water bottles, toys, shampoo bottles, and so much more. Thermoplastic has many benefits not just for road striping, but also for industrial, medical, and retail applications.
Contact Teniseal/Parking Striping Corporation for Asphalt Road and Parking Lot Services!
Teniseal Corporation specializes in the application, restoration and maintenance of all types of asphalt surfaces. It makes sense to trust your asphalt job to experts with the experience and technical know-how to do your project right from the start to provide a long-lasting result. Teniseal offers services for Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Howard, Prince George’s, Harford, Carroll, and Montgomery counties in Maryland. For more information, email them at [email protected], or call them at 410-485-5660 or 410-485-0717. Keep in touch on social media through Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn!
