Studies on Performance Degradation of Signaling Device (Reflective Tape) Due to Weathering and Its Effect on Road Safety

Weathering is the adverse response of a material or product to climate, often causing unwanted and premature product failure. The research and literature review shows that, in addition to the standard signaling devices, the retro-reflective marking is intended to increase the visibility (recognition) over a wide range of distances and for an easy identification of vehicles. The main characteristics of retro-reflective marking are Type of material, Coefficient of retro-reflection, Efficiency, Colour, Aging, Soiling, Shape and Pattern. Materials used for the retro reflective materials offer an impressive range of attractive properties, however the effect of weathering conditions on the durability and performance of these materials are not fully understood. The initial study conducted to provide degradation effect on retro reflective material due to weathering and its effect on road safety by simulating the weathering conditions in the laboratory as a part of accelerated tests.