Self-cleaning traffic marking paint

Abstract

A traffic marking paint, because of its function undergoes local climatic conditions such as variations in temperature, the structure of asphalt, vehicles, drivers’ behavior, exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV) and to pollutants (rain, organic and inorganic particles, mineral dust etc.), gradually loses its fundamental properties such as day visibility (Qd), night visibility (RL) and colorimetry thus resulting in a loss of cognitive perception for the driver that is dangerous that may potentially lead to accidents. Therefore, an effective self-cleaning coating is desirable. In recent years, “Self-cleaning” paint using photocatalytic titanium dioxide (TiO2) has gained considerable industry attention. With the assistance of little UV light from fluorescence source or sunlight, TiO2 offers two unique properties: (a) strong oxidation power, and (b) super-hydrophilicity. Strong oxidation power can be used to clean dirt attached on the paint. Super-hydrophilic property can allow dirt to be easily washed away with water or rainfall. The aim of this investigation is to analyze this effect via study of the decomposition – under UVA irradiation. Finally, TiO2 nanoparticles can offer the promising prospect for this application.