Thermoplastic vs. Two-Component Road Marking Paint: Who Will Dominate the Future Market?
The competition between thermoplastic (hot-melt) and two-component road marking paints hinges on performance, cost, and sustainability. Here’s a comparative outlook:
Thermoplastic Paint
Pros: Fast-drying (solidifies in minutes), cost-effective for high-traffic roads, and widely used with 70% market share in China.
Cons: Requires heating (180–220°C), posing safety risks; prone to cracking in extreme temperatures and poor adhesion on cement surfaces.
Two-Component Paint
Pros: Superior durability (5–10 years), excellent adhesion, and rain-night reflectivity due to chemical-bonded glass beads. Eco-friendly (no VOCs) and suitable for harsh climates.
Cons: Higher material costs and complex mixing ratios.
Future Trends
While thermoplastic dominates in cost-sensitive regions, two-component paints are gaining traction in Europe (80% adoption in Switzerland) and China for their longevity and eco-compliance. Innovations like MMA-based two-component systems further enhance competitiveness.