Adhesion Test for Thermoplastic Road Marking
Adhesion testing ensures that thermoplastic road markings bond properly to
the pavement surface, preventing premature peeling, cracking, or wear.
Below are common test methods to evaluate adhesion:
1. Peel Test (Manual or Mechanical)
Purpose: Measures the bonding strength between thermoplastic material
and the road surface.
Procedure:
Apply thermoplastic material to a clean, dry pavement surface under
standard conditions.
After cooling, use a putty knife or mechanical peel tester to lift the edge
of the marking at a 45° angle.
Observe the amount of material that peels off:
o Good adhesion: Minimal or no peeling.
o Poor adhesion: Large sections detach easily.
Standard Reference:
EN 1871 (European standard for road marking performance).
2. Cross-Cut Test (ASTM D3359)
Purpose: Evaluates adhesion by making a grid pattern on the marking and
checking for flaking.
Procedure:
1. Use a sharp blade to cut a 5x5 grid (1mm spacing) into the thermoplastic
layer.
2. Apply adhesive tape over the grid and peel it off quickly.
3. Assess the amount of material removed:
o Rating (0-5):
5B: No peeling (excellent adhesion).
0B: >65% removed (poor adhesion).
Standard Reference:
ASTM D3359 (Standard Test Methods for Rating Adhesion by Tape Test).
3. Pull-Off Adhesion Test (ASTM D4541 / ISO 4624)
Purpose: Quantifies adhesion strength using a portable pull-off adhesion
tester.
Procedure:
1. Glue a dolly (metal stub) onto the thermoplastic marking.
2. Use a hydraulic or mechanical pull-off tester to apply perpendicular
force until failure.
3. Measure the force (MPa or psi) required to detach the marking.
o Minimum requirement: Typically ≥1.4 MPa (200 psi) for durable road
markings.
Standard Reference:
ASTM D4541 (Pull-Off Strength of Coatings).
4. Shear Adhesion Test
Purpose: Evaluates resistance to horizontal forces (e.g., vehicle tires).
Procedure:
Apply a shear force parallel to the road surface using a shear testing
machine.
Measure the force (N/mm²) required to cause failure.
Acceptance Criteria:
Good adhesion: No visible delamination under expected traffic loads.
5. Field Performance Observation
Monitor markings under real traffic conditions for:
o Cracking, peeling, or wear within the first 3–6 months.
Conduct wet & dry adhesion tests (spray water and check for
bubbling/delamination).
Factors Affecting Adhesion
Impact on
Factor Solution
Adhesion
Surface Clean pavement before
Weakens
Contamination (dust, oil, application (sweeping, air
bond
moisture) blasting).
Preheat pavement to ≥10°C
Incorrect Preheating Poor fusion
(50°F) before application.
Use high-quality resins &
Low-Quality Poor
glass beads (EN 1871
Thermoplastic bonding
compliant).
Improper Application Weak Apply at 200–220°C (392–
Temperature adhesion 428°F).
Conclusion
For durable thermoplastic road markings, peel tests, cross-cut tests, and
pull-off tests are essential. Proper surface preparation, material
quality, and application techniques ensure long-lasting adhesion.
Would you like details on specific standards (e.g., AASHTO, BS EN) or
test equipment recommendations?
Adhesion Test of Thermoplastic Road Marking Using the
Tape Method
This test evaluates the bonding strength between thermoplastic material and
the pavement surface using adhesive tape. It is a quick, field-friendly method
based on ASTM D3359 (Standard Test Methods for Rating Adhesion by Tape
Test).
1. Test Principle
A grid pattern is cut into the thermoplastic marking.
Pressure-sensitive tape is applied and peeled off.
The amount of material removed indicates adhesion quality.
2. Equipment Required
✔ Sharp cutting tool (razor blade, cross-hatch cutter)
✔ Pressure-sensitive tape (3M Scotch™ #600 or equivalent, 25mm width)
✔ Steel ruler or template (for uniform grid spacing)
✔ Magnifying glass (optional, for detailed inspection)
3. Test Procedure
Step 1: Prepare the Surface
Ensure the thermoplastic marking is fully cured (cooled to ambient
temperature).
Clean the test area to remove loose particles.
Step 2: Make Cross-Cut Grid
Using a blade, cut a 5x5 grid (6 cuts in each direction, 1mm spacing).
Cuts must penetrate fully through the thermoplastic layer to the
pavement.
Step 3: Apply Tape
Press adhesive tape firmly over the grid (ensure full contact).
Rub the tape with a pencil eraser or finger to enhance adhesion.
Step 4: Peel Off Tape
Within 90 seconds, remove the tape rapidly at a 180° angle.
Step 5: Evaluate Adhesion
Compare the grid area with the ASTM D3359 rating scale (0B to 5B):
Ratin
Description Adhesion Quality
g
No peeling (0%
5B Excellent
removed)
Ratin
Description Adhesion Quality
g
<5% removed (slight
4B Very Good
flaking)
3B 5–15% removed Good (acceptable)
Marginal (may need
2B 15–35% removed
improvement)
1B 35–65% removed Poor (rework required)
0B >65% removed Fail (complete delamination)
Acceptance Criteria:
For road markings, ≥4B is typically required for durable adhesion.
4. Factors Affecting Test Results
Issue Possible Cause Solution
Clean surface, use high-
Excessive Contaminated pavement,
grade material, ensure
peeling (0B- low-quality thermoplastic,
correct temperature during
2B) improper application
application
Inconsistent Dull blade, uneven Use a sharp cutter, apply
cuts pressure uniform force
Tape not
Low-quality tape, Use ASTM-recommended
sticking
insufficient pressure tape, press firmly
properly
5. Advantages of Tape Method
✅ Quick & easy (suitable for field testing)
✅ No specialized equipment needed
✅ Provides immediate results
6. Limitations
❌ Subjective judgment (requires visual assessment)
❌ Not quantitative (unlike pull-off tests)
❌ Less accurate on rough surfaces
Conclusion
The tape method (ASTM D3359) is a simple, effective way to check
thermoplastic road marking adhesion. For critical projects, combine it
with pull-off tests (ASTM D4541) for more precise strength
measurements.
Need help with alternative adhesion tests or compliance with
specific standards (e.g., EN 1871, AASHTO)? Let me know!
