Guide to curing the problem of bubbles in hot-melt road markings: a comprehensive analysis from causes to processes

Bubbles and bulges are the “invisible killers” in the construction of hot-melt marking lines – they can affect the aesthetics of the marking lines, and in severe cases, cause coating peeling and glass bead detachment, greatly shortening the service life of the marking lines. TOP ROAD Transportation Technology Co., Ltd. has been deeply involved in the field of road marking for 30 years. We have developed anti gasification formulas and intelligent construction systems for the chronic problem of bubbles, ensuring that every meter of marking can withstand the test of time and wheels.
1、 The deadly chain reaction of bubbles: not just a matter of aesthetics
The essence of bubbles is the blockage of gas escape channels, and their harm far exceeds surface recognition:
Structural damage: Bubbles occupy the coating space, weaken the compressive strength of the marking, and break into pits after heavy vehicle crushing;
Reflection failure: The bulging top breaks through the glass bead embedding layer, resulting in a “black hole area” of reflection at night;
Penetrating corrosion: After bubbles rupture, micropores are formed, and rainwater seeps in, causing the base layer to peel off.
Triple Ace Core Discovery: 90% of bubbles originate from the uncontrolled expansion of the “moisture air volatile” three gas coexistence system at high temperatures!
2、 Three major causes of bubbles and precise sniping strategies

1. Base water storage: invisible bubble generator
   Surface moisture: After rain, the seemingly dry road surface still contains moisture in deep pores (simple detection method: observe water mist by sticking transparent tape to the ground for 24 hours);
   Newly laid asphalt: The non-volatile emulsifier vaporizes upon heating, forming a group of subcutaneous bubbles.
   TOP ROAD Solution:
   ► Infrared spectrum hygrometer for rapid positioning of high-risk areas
   ► Special breathable bottom adhesive construction for “water vapor directional export channel”
2. Moisture absorption of paint: the culprit of foaming inside the kettle
   Coatings stored outdoors during the rainy season absorb moisture, and when melted at high temperatures, the water vapor boils violently; The residual paint that has been repeatedly heated oxidizes and clumps, enveloping the gas and forming bulging nuclei.

TOP ROAD Solution:
Pre mixing technology of molecular sieve desiccant (improving moisture absorption)
Intelligent temperature control system for hot melt kettle (segmented defoaming heating method)

3. Material reactions: overlooked chemical bombs
   Rubber powder in modified asphalt releases sulfide gas when exposed to heat; Poor quality leveling agents decompose at high temperatures to produce volatile bubbles.
   TOP ROAD Solution:
   ► Anti gasification resin substrate (blocking chemical reaction chain)
   ► Micro porous slow-release additive (guiding gas to be discharged in an orderly manner)
   3、 Construction Technology Revolution: The Golden Standard for Bubble Prevention and Control
4. Melting stage: Four step method for defoaming inside the kettle
   Step heating: 80 ℃ → 120 ℃ slow-release adsorbed water (stirring with open lid);
   Negative pressure degassing: Start the vacuum pump at 150 ℃ to extract volatile substances;
   Defoamer intervention: Add nano defoamer at 180 ℃ to crush large bubbles;
   Constant temperature standing: Turn off stirring at 200 ℃ and let it stand to dissolve microbubbles.
5. Planning stage: Three tips for preventing bumps on the ground
   Base preheating: Infrared heating plate scans the construction zone to drive away residual moisture;
   Dual speed scraping coating: reduce speed and ensure penetration on crevice road surfaces, and increase speed and reduce contact on dense road surfaces;
   Vibration exhaust: Special vibration scraper releases subcutaneous gas through high-frequency vibration.
6. Emergency response: On site rescue techniques for sudden bulging
   Minimally invasive repair: drill holes, inject glue, and apply pressure to flatten the bulge before it is broken;
   In situ reshaping: After cleaning the fractured area, spray quick fix repair adhesive.

The irreplaceable value of TOP ROAD Transportation Technology Co., Ltd
Bubble prediction system: an AI risk warning platform based on meteorological base material data;
Process validation system: construction database support for the entire temperature range of -20 ℃ to 50 ℃;
Full chain prevention and control equipment: bubble specific tool chain from vacuum hot melt kettle to oscillating scraper;
Lifetime maintenance commitment: 24-hour technical response for bubble problems, and free rework for major defects.
Thirty years of technological accumulation, TOP ROAD takes “sincerity as the guiding principle, win-win future” as its core concept, and elevates the prevention and control of the tiny defect of bubbles into a protective project for the lifespan of the marking line. Choosing us means choosing to use millimeter level precision to safeguard the kilometer level road safety lifeline!