Blending of Hydrocarbon and Rosin Ester-basedResins to Study its Effect on the Physical andMechanical Properties of Thermoplastic Road Markings

In this study, the effect of hydrocarbon and rosin ester resins combination on the physical and mechanical properties of thermoplastic road markings were evaluated. At first, two basic thermoplastic road marking formulations based on hydrocarbon and rosin ester resins were prepared. Several samples of the blends of two basic formulations for thermoplastic road marking were characterized and compared by their softening points, abrasion resistance, color data changes, DMTA and tensile strength values. The results showed that hydrocarbon-based thermoplastic road markings have better weathering resistance and rosin ester based materials illustrated enhanced heat resistance. The inclusion of rosin ester thermoplastic road marking into the hydrocarbon-based formulations, improves compatibility of the hydrocarbon resin and dibutyl phthalate ()DBP)(, as well as their physical and mechanical properties. The unique properties of rosin arise from its hydrophobic chain skeleton and its hydrophilic carboxy groups which contribute to its excellent solubility and compatibility with a variety of other synthetic resins. The best performance was obtained with 50 wt % inclusion of rosin ester to hydrocarbon based compound. DMTA analysis revelation with combination of hydrocarbon and rosin ester-based road markings showed that the decreasing trend in elastic modulus is shifted to higher temperature, and as a result it keeps the hardness and ductile properties of thermoplastic road markings unchanged. More favored raw materials for compatibilization of compounds in road marking formulations lead to higher elongation- at-break and an increased toughness