Application of Mixture Experimental Design for Optimizing Skid Resistance and Dirt Pick-up Resistance of Thermoplastic Road Markings

In this study, formulation of the hot melt thermoplastic road markings was optimized using mixture experimental design, in which the important road marking’s properties were modeled using quadratic model. Binder (rosin ester and hydrocarbon based resins), aggregate (SiO2 with different particle sizes) were selected as the key factors at different levels. Skid resistance value and color difference (ΔE) after exposure to the accelerated weathering conditions and also after dirt pick-up resistance test, were chosen as the main responses in the design. The results showed that the mixture experimental design was an effectual method for optimizing formulation and properties of the hot melt thermoplastic road markings. The results also revealed a good agreement between the proposed model and experimental measurements