Polyester Marking Material Study

This research was conducted to determine if polyester marking material would be an acceptable addition to the existing paint materials specified in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Advisory Circular 150/5370-10A Item P-620, Runway and Taxiway Painting. The polyester marking material was applied on the FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center at the FAA ramp, Pangborne Road, and the Pavement Test Facility for an evaluation period of 1 year starting in August 2004. Three different types of pavement were used during the tests: Hot-Mix Asphalt, Aged Portland Cement Concrete, and New Portland Cement Concrete. The chromaticity, retro-reflectivity, baseline, pull-off strength, and friction tests were performed on the polyester marking material.

Based on the test results, the polyester marking material maintained its retro-reflectivity, but the chromaticity level for yellow was not acceptable. When simulated in a high-traffic airport environment, the polyester marking material failed (disintegrated) after less than a day’s worth of operations. Therefore, the polyester marking material is not suitable for the airport environment. 

The research paper entitled “Polyester Marking Material Study” can be obtained in adobe format if you click on this link. This document describes the research performed concerning the suitability of polyester on the airport environment. 

DOT/FAA/AR-TN06-33
Author: Holly Cyrus