How to Choose Glass Beads?

The visibility of the marking line during the day depends on the quality of the pigment, which is relatively easy to recognize. The visibility at night, that is, reflectivity, is affected by many factors such as the quality of reflective glass beads, the choice of glass particle size, and the construction control of glass beads from the perspective of glass beads. The visibility of the marking line involves two key links: material selection and construction.

First of all, the selection of reflective glass beads for paint must grasp two principles in terms of materials, appearance, and performance indicators: ①The quality is guaranteed, and flawed and defective glass beads will not be used; ②Different coated glass beads should be used in conjunction with the specified marking. This is the most basic material source guarantee to ensure the reflective performance of the marking. So what factors should be considered in the selection of glass beads?

Colour

Try to avoid choosing blue-colored glass beads but choose white-colored glass beads.

Rounding rate

The rounding rate directly affects the retroreflective ability of the reticle. The higher the roundness of glass beads, the better the reflective performance.

Transparency

The higher the transparency of the glass bead, the less impurities, the less energy is lost when the light is refracted back into the glass bead, and the better the reflection.

Reflective index

The higher the reflective index, the better the reflective effect. According to GBT24722-2009 standard, it can be divided into low reflective index glass beads (1.50≤RI <1.70), medium reflective index glass beads (1.70≤RI <1.90), high reflective index glass beads (RI≥1.90) according to different particle sizes. At present, the reflective index of glass beads commonly used in road markings in China is generally around 1.50, while the reflective glass beads used in reflective signs generally reach 1.90. The two can be distinguished by visually observing the reflective brightness of the signs and markings at night.

Glass bead coating

Different marking paints should choose coated glass beads suitable for it. The two-component surface spreading beads use silane coupling agent; the hot melt surface spreading glass beads use silicone oil coating; and the water-based marking surface spread reflective glass beads are best not coated. If the choice of surface spread glass beads is wrong, the adhesion of reflective glass beads and markings will decrease.

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