How Is Thermoplastic Made?
Identification Made from glass beads, binder, color pigment and filler materials, thermoplastic becomes a homogenized liquid when heated to or higher than 420 F. When frozen, thermoplastic takes on glass characteristics and can shatter. Well-made thermoplastic can last five to eight years as pavement markings, according to trantexinc.com. Types Hydrocarbon and alkyd are the two types of thermoplastic. The hydrocarbon variety uses petroleum-based resins and does not break down as easily under heat as alkyd does. Alkyd thermoplastic uses a natural resin that is resistant to petroleum-based products. The alkyd variety stands up against oil spills better than hydrocarbon thermoplastic. Uses Applied in liquid form, thermoplastic binds to porous materials, such as asphalt, and dries. Adding yellow, white and red pigments into a thermoplastic formula creates the colors seen in road markings. Thermoplastic is also used for sports equipment, shampoo bottles, stacking toy blocks and bulletproof
