scope:

The procedures used for testing thermoplastic traffic line material are described in this method. This includes the method for obtaining a representative test sample, preparation of the test specimens, and performing the specified tests. The material is a mixture of resins, fillers, pigments, and reflective spheres. These materials are combined by heating to obtain a product with the desired properties suitable for traffic line striping.

The materials used for thermoplastic compound shall not contain hazardous materials exceeding the limits listed in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 40, Section 261.24, Table 1, when testing by the toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) method, EPA 1311/EPA 6010 and 7470.

As a screening for heavy metals in thermoplastic, the total of each Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)-listed heavy metal can be analyzed by x-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy using ASTM F2617 or any validated XRF methodology. If the upper limits of 40 CFR, Section 261.24 are exceeded, then EPA 1311/EPA 6010 and 7470 will need to be performed to verify the leachability of the heavy metals identified.

The specifying/purchasing agency may verify the above requirements at any time.

The manufacturer shall provide the specifying/purchasing agency certified test results from an acceptable laboratory at a minimum interval of 12 months to document that the material complies with the above requirements.

This test method is divided into the following parts:

Section 3, Sampling of Thermoplastic Material;

Section 4, Sample Meltdown and Preparation;

Section 5, Binder Content;

Section 6, Glass Bead Content;

Section 7, Glass Bead Grading Analysis;

Section 8, Reflectance, Color, and Yellowness Index;

Section 9, Titanium Dioxide Determination;

Section 10, Lead Chromate Determination;

Section 11, Flowability (Percent Residue);

Section 12, Low Temperature Stress Resistance;

Section 13, Bond Strength;

Section 14, Impact Resistance;

Section 15, Ring-and-Ball Softening Point;

Section 16, Specific Gravity;

Section 17, Flowability (Percent Residue) Extended Heating;

Section 18, Ultraviolet Light and Condensate Exposure;

Section 19, Hardness; and

Section 20, Flash Point.

The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.

The quality of the results produced by this standard are dependent on the competence of the personnel performing the procedure and the capability, calibration, and maintenance of the equipment used. Agencies that meet the criteria of R 18 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with R 18 alone does not completely assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; following the suggestions of R 18 or some similar acceptable guideline provides a means of evaluating and controlling some of those factors.

Note 1-Warning: Due to the elevated temperatures used in these tests and the nature of the material, extreme care should be used when working with the thermoplastic materials. Use heat-resistant gloves and safety glasses or face shield when handling in the fluid state. Severe burns can result from spilled thermoplastics or mishandled equipment. Should melted thermoplastic come in contact with the skin, do not attempt to wipe off. Immediately hold or submerge the affected area under cold water. Inform someone in the immediate vicinity that an accident has occurred. Seek proper medical attention.