Mechanical properties, luminescent properties, and durability of solvent-free polyurethane-based phosphorescent road markings on asphalt pavements

• Published in: Construction & building materials Vol. 414; p. 135053
• Main Authors: Yang, Xuan, Fan, Zepeng, He, Yulin, Cui, Kaijie, Liao, Zhiyong, Hong, Bin, Wang, Dawei
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 02.02.2024
• Subjects: Accelerated wear test; Durability; Long afterglow phosphor; Phosphorescent road marking; Solvent-free polyurethane; Durability; Accelerated wear test; Phosphorescent road marking; Solvent-free polyurethane; Long afterglow phosphor
• ISSN: 0950-0618; 1879-0526
• DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2024.135053

Phosphorescent road markings (PRMs) are an effective means of improving night-time driving safety, but their poor durability and the lack of a method to effectively assess their durability have limited their widespread use. To this end, this study adopted solvent-free polyurethane (SFPU) and water-resistant long afterglow phosphor (LAP) as film forming resin and luminescent material to prepare PRM coatings, and a methodology based on the accelerated wear test was also proposed for assessing the durability of PRMs. The results indicate that PRM-0.75 and PRM-1.0 can emit light continuously for at least 6 h and sustain 35 min of accelerated wear. In contrast, traditional white hot-melt road marking (HMRM) can only withstand 30 min of accelerated wear, indicating that the PRMs more durable than HMRM. Considering both performance and economy, PRM-0.75 is the better choice. The information and durability evaluation method of PRM provided in this study can provide references and guidance for research on sustainable and durable road markings in the future. •SFPU-based PRMs glow at night and provide good visibility whether it is sunny or rainy.•A durability evaluation method for PRMs was established based on accelerated wear tests.•PRMs have comparable texture structures, contact angles, surface energies, and skid resistance.•PRMs present better durability than conventional HMRM.