Отражательные свойства стеклянных шариков в экстремальных погодных условиях (например, сильный дождь и снег)

Glass beads are widely used in road markings, primarily to enhance the visibility of road markings by reflecting light, especially in low visibility conditions such as at night. However, extreme weather conditions (such as heavy rain and snow) can impact the reflection performance of glass beads. The specific effects are as follows:

1. Reflection Performance in Heavy Rain
Water Film Impact: In heavy rain, water may accumulate on the road surface, forming a water film that can reduce the reflection performance of glass beads. The water film may cover the surface of the beads, decreasing the amount of light reflected and thus lowering the visibility of road markings.
Design of Glass Beads: High-quality glass beads are typically designed with strong water resistance, allowing water droplets to slide off the surface of the beads, which helps maintain a certain level of reflection. Surface treatments such as waterproof coatings can reduce the interference of the water film, ensuring the reflection performance of the markings.
Reflection Angle: In heavy rain, the angle at which light is reflected may be affected. The reflection performance of glass beads depends on their size, arrangement, and the design of the road marking coating. Beads designed for wet surfaces typically have a wider reflection angle, ensuring visibility even in rainy conditions.

2. Reflection Performance in Snowy Conditions
Snow Coverage Impact: During snowfalls, road markings may be covered by a layer of snow, significantly reducing the reflection performance of roadway retroreflective microspheres, as the snow layer can obscure the road markings. The thickness and density of the snow are critical factors in how much the reflection performance is affected.
Embedding Depth of Glass Beads: Well-designed glass bead road markings can embed the beads within the coating, preventing them from being covered by snow. The combination of the road marking coating and the glass beads determines how visible the markings remain under snow. Markings that are properly embedded tend to maintain better visibility even in snowy conditions.
Post-Snow Reflection Recovery: Once the snow is cleared, the reflection performance of the glass beads typically recovers quickly. If the road marking is designed properly, the beads will provide clear reflection once the snow is removed.

3. Technological Innovations for Extreme Weather Resistance
Wear and Weather Resistance: To address extreme weather conditions, manufacturers are improving the wear resistance and weather resistance of glass beads, allowing them to maintain their reflective properties even in harsh conditions like heavy rain and snow. This includes using harder glass materials or enhancing the beads’ UV resistance, ensuring that the beads remain effective over time in such environments.
Water-Resistant Coatings: To further enhance the performance of glass beads in wet or snowy environments, modern road marking beads often have water-resistant coatings applied to their surfaces. This improves their reflection ability and reduces the impact of the water film.

4. Future Development Trends
Improved Snow Resistance Design: Research is ongoing into glass beads with microstructures or nanotechnology on the surface that make it easier to clear snow from the beads. This could enhance reflective road beads‘ visibility in snowy conditions.

In extreme weather conditions like heavy rain and snow, the reflection performance of glass beads may be affected by water films and snow coverage. However, advanced glass bead designs and technological innovations can mitigate these effects. By improving the beads’ water resistance, weather resistance, and embedding design, road markings can maintain visibility and contribute to enhanced traffic safety.