Premixed vs. Surface-Sprinkled Glass Beads: Which Extends Road Marking Reflectivity Longer?
Release Time:2025-06-23
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1. Premixed Beads: Longevity Champions
Premixed beads are integrated into road marking materials (e.g., thermoplastic or epoxy) during production. This ensures:
Durability: Beads are shielded from traffic wear, maintaining reflectivity for 5+ years (vs. 2–3 years for surface-sprinkled beads).
Consistency: Complies with standards like JT/T 280-2023, mandating ≥30% premix content for highways.
Cost Efficiency: Reduces maintenance by 50% despite higher initial costs.
2. Surface-Sprinkled Beads: Immediate but Short-Lived
Applied post-application, these beads offer instant reflectivity but face challenges:
Abrasion Vulnerability: Up to 50% reflectivity loss within 18 months due to weather/traffic.
Adhesion Limits: Even with silane coatings, longevity rarely exceeds 2.5 years.
Labor-Intensive: Requires frequent reapplication (0.4 kg/m² every 2 years).
For long-term reflectivity, premixed beads outperform with higher ROI and compliance with global standards like EN 1436. Surface-sprinkled beads suit temporary projects but fail in high-traffic zones.
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