M 237 SPECIFICATIONS FOR MATERIALS

Standard Specification for

Epoxy Resin Adhesives for Bonding Traffic Markers to Hardened Portland Cement and
Asphalt Concrete

AASHTO DESIGNATION: M 237-91

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M 237
1. SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers epoxy resin
adhesives for bonding traffic markers to
pavement surfaces.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be
regarded as the standard.
1.3 This standard may involve hazardous
materials, operations, and equipment.
This standard does not purport to address
all of the safety problems associated with
its use. It is the responsibility of whoever
uses this standard to consult and establish
appropriate safety and health practices
and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
2. REFERENCED DOCUMENTS
2.1 AASHTO Standards:
T 48 Test for Flash and Fire Points
by Cleveland Open Cup
T 79 Test for Flash Point with Tag
Open-Cup Apparatus for Use
with Material Having a Flash
Less than 93.3°C (200°F)
T 192Fineness of Hydraulic Cement
by the 0.045 mm (Nº 325)
Sieve
T 237Testing Epoxy Resin Adhesive
2.2 ASTM Standards:
D 97 Tests for Pour Point of
Petroleum Oils
D 185 Test for Coarse Particles in
Pigments, Pastes and Paints
D 281 Test for Oil Absorption of
Pigments by Spatula Rub-Out
D 476 Test for Titanium Dioxide
Pigments
D 1208 Test for Common Properties
of Certain Pigments
D 1209 Test for Color of Clear
Liquids (Platinum Cobalt
Scale)
D 1210 Test for Fineness of
Dispersion of Pigment-
Vehicle Systems
D 1257 Specification for High
Gravity Glycerin
D 1483 Test for Oil Absorption of
Pigments by Gardner-
Coleman Method
SPECIFICATIONS FOR MATERIALS
D 1514 Testing Carbon Black Sieve 4.2.2 The composition of the
Residue components for Type III shall conform to
D 1544 Test for Color of Transparent the requirements prescribed in Table 2.
Liquids (Gardner Color 4.2.3 The components for Type IV
Scale) shall conform to the requirements
D 1747 Test for Refractive Index of prescribed in Table 3.
Viscous Materials 4.2.4 Other epoxies meeting the
D 2752 Surface Area physical requirements of Sections 4.3 and
4.4 for the type specified may be used
D 3272 Recommended Practice for with the approval of the purchaser.
Vacuum Distillation of
Solvents from Solvent Base 4.3 Physical Requirements-Individual
Paints for Analysis Components:
2.3 Federal Standards: 4.3.1 Requirements for components A
and B are the same for all types except as
2.3.1 Federal Test Method Nº 141, noted.
Method 4184 Percent Air, Method 4242
Color, Heilige-small. 4.3.2 Viscosity, Pa•s (Poise), TE
Helipath Spindle at 25 ± 1°C (77 ± 2°F).
2.3.2 Federal Standard Number 595 Type 1, 350 to 500 (3500-5000), Type
Colors. 111, 4 to 6 (40-60). Viscosity, Pas
(Poise), TD Helipath at 25 ± 1°C (77 ±
3. CLASSIFICATION 2°F). Type 11, 100 to 300 (1000-3000).
4.3.3 Shear ratio, 25°C (77°F), 2
minimum, for Types I and II.
3.1 Type I-Rapid Setting, High Viscosity,
Epoxy Adhesive. This type of adhesive 4.3.4 Density, kilograms per cubic
provides rapid adherence of traffic meter (pounds per gallon) at 25°C (77°F):
markers to the surface of the pavement. Component A Component B
Type I 1402 to 1462 1402 to 1462
3.2 Type II-Standard Setting, High
Viscosity, Epoxy Adhesive. This type of (11.7-12.2) (11.7-12.2)
Type II 1270 to 1306 1354 to 1390
adhesive is recommended for adherence
(10.6-10.9) (11.3-11.6)
of traffic markers to pavement surfaces Type III 1797 to 1893 1929 to 1965
when rapid set is not required. (15.0-15.8) (16.1-16.4)
3.3 Type III-Rapid Setting, Low Type IV 1414 to 1438 1390 to 1414
Viscosity, Water Resistant, Epoxy (11.8-12.0) (11.6-11.8)
Adhesive. This type of rapid setting 4.3.5 Skinning (original container),
adhesive, due to its low viscosity, is none.
appropriate only for use with embedded
4.3.6 Percent air, 2 maximum.
traffic markers. It is more water-resistant
than Type I or Type II. 4.3.7 Infra red curves-Components A
and B shall match curves originally
3.4 Type IV-Standard Set Epoxy for approved by the purchaser.
Blade Deflecting Type Plowable
Markers. 4.3.8 Storage Stability:
4.3.8.1 The Components A and B shall
not change in viscosity and shear ratio by
4. MATERIALS more than ± 15 percent when stored for
14 days in closed containers at 47.0 t
4.1 The material shall be furnished in two 1.8°C (115°F ± 3°F). All measurements
separate components for combining in shall be made at 25 1°C (77 ± 2°F) using
equal volumes immediately prior to use. the same spindle and apparatus as in
Section 4.3.2 above.
4.2 Composition:
4.3.8.2 The adhesive shall meet all other
4.2.1 The composition of the
requirements for 12 months from date of
components for Type I and Type II shall
manufacture. Any settling of the fillers
conform to the requirements prescribed
must be easily redispersible with a
in Table 1.
paddle.
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M 237 SPECIFICATIONS FOR MATERIALS

TABLE 1 Chemical Composition of Ingredients of Composition for Type I and Type II TABLE 2 Chemical Composition of Type
Epoxy III Epoxy
Parts by Mass Parts by
Type I Type II Mass
Component A Component A
Epoxy ResinA 90.00 87.00 (Density = 1878 kg/m3 (15.67 lbs/gal))
Orthocresyl Glycidyl EtherB 10.00 Epoxy ResinA 20.03
Aliphatic Glycidyl EtherC 13.00 Epoxy ResinB 14.69
Titanium Dioxide ASTM D 476 Type I or Type II 3.00 3.00 Aliphatic Epoxy ResinC 9.78
TalcD 50.00 30.00 Titanium Dioxide ASTM D476
Fibrillated Polyethylene Fiber E
2.00* 400** 2.18
Type I or II
Glycerin, ASTM D 1257 0.50 Calcium Silicate D
21.14
Silicone Anti-Foam, Type DB100, 100% Solids 0.005 Barium SulfateE 32.05
Component B Fluorinated Alkyl Ester SurfactantF
High Functionality Polymercaptan HardenerE 60.00 0.13
2, 4, 6-Tri (Dimethylaminomethyl) PhenolG 7.00 Component B (Hardner)
H
Polysulfide Polymer 35.00 (Density = 1950 kg/m3 (16.27 lbs/gal))
N-Aminoethyl PiperazineI 23.16 *Precatalyzed Polymercaptan
NonylphenolJ 52.00 30.17
K
HardnerG
Furnace Black 0.10 0.10 *Precatalyzed Polymercaptan
TalcD 50.00 70.00 5.45
HardnerH
Fibrillated Polyethylene FiberE 2.00* 0.70** Mercapto Silane I
0.72
Silicone Anti-Foam, Type DB100, 100% Solids 0.01 0.005 Calcium SilicateD 26.78
* A range of 11.5 to 2.5 is permitted in the A component and in the B component to achieve the Barium SulfateE 40.10
required viscosity and thixotropy. Small preproduction batches should be made to determine the
Carbon BlackJ 0.10
fiber level best suited for manufacturing equipment level.
*2, 4, 6, Tri (Dimethyl Amino
** A range of 3.0 to 5.0 parts is permitted in the A component and 0.5 to 1.0 parts in the B 0.57
Methyl) Phenol
component, to achieve the required viscosity and shear ratio.
A
Di-glycidyl ether of bisphenol A: Brookfield viscosity. 10-16 Pa's (100-160 poise) at 25°C; * Available from Diamond Shamrock
epoxide equivalent 180-200; color. Gardner 1933, 3 max. Corporation.
A
B
Brookfield viscosity at 25°C, mPa•s (5-10 Centipoise); density kg/m 3, 1078-1090 kg/m3. (weight Epoxide equivalent 176-181; Brookfield
per gallon 9.00-9.10 pounds; epoxide equivalent 180-200). viscosity at 25°C, 35-70 Pa's (350-700 poise);
C
Aliphatic mono functional reactive glycidyl ether. derived from an aliphatic alcohol: Brookfield color. Gardner, max, 2: the reactive diluent
viscosity at 25°C. 1-15 mPa's (1-15 Centipoise); epoxide equivalent 220-250: specific gravity shall he neopentylglycoldi°lycidal ether.
B
0.88-0.95. Epoxide equivalent 180-190; Brookfield
D
Specific Gravity 2.68 to 2.86 viscosity at 25°C, 7-10 Pa's (70-100 poise):
Oil Absorption, ASTM D 281 33 to 39 color, Gardner. 2: the reactive diluent shall be
pH 81 to 8.6 neopentylglycoldiglycidal ether.
C
Hegman Rating 4 to 6 1-4 butane dioldiglycyl ether, viscosity
Particle Shape Platey 25°C. 19 mPa•s (19 cps); epoxide equivalent
Maximum Particle Size, Microns 55 mass 136.
D
Percent passing 45-tam (U.S. Nº 325) Screen. min. 99 Specific gravity 2.9, pH (Aqueous solution).
Dry Brightness, minimum 86 9.9: refractive index 1.63.
E
E
High density, fluff dried, pure fibrillated polyethylene: melting point 120°C-130°C; specific Specific gravity, 225°C, 2.9, pH. Aqueous
gravity, 0.915-0.965; molecular mass. 30000-150000; fiber size, average length, 0.90 mm solution. 3.8-4.5; refractive index 1.64: oil
diameter. 10 microns; fiber strength, 31.4-39.2 MPa; elongation at rupture, 45-57 percent; absorption, I I percent by mass.
F
moisture content, less than 2 percent. Brookfield viscosity, 25°C, 15 Pa's (15000
F
Liquid polymercaptan resin: Brookfield viscosity, 10-13 Pa's (100-130 poise) at 25°C; specific cps): specific gravity, 25°C, 1.15; refractive
gravity 1.14-1.16; mercaptan value, 3.6 meg/gram: color, Gardner 1933. I. Infrared cure shall index. 25°C. 1.445; active ingredients, 100
match the printed curve in this specification. percent.
G
G
Formula weight 265; specific gravity at 25°C. 0.973; refractive index 1.514 at 25°C; vacuum Brookfield viscosity, 25°C, 0.25 Pa's (250
distillation. 96 percent shall have been distilled over a temperature of between 130'C to 160°C, cps); specific gravity, 25°C. 1.06; mercaptan
66.7 to 200.0 Pa absolute pressure (0.5 to 1.5 mm of mercury vacuum pressure); clash point, Tag value meg/g 5.75; color, Gardner, max, 2.
H
Open Cup, 149°C minimum; water content 0.06 percent maximum. Brookfield viscosity, specific gravity, 25°C,
H
Specific gravity, 1.24-1.30 at 20°C/20°C: Brookfield viscosity. 0.7-1.2 Pa's (700-1200 106: mercaptan value meg/g 552; color,
centipoise) at 25°C; pH water extract 6.0-8.0; moisture content, 0.1-percent maximum: pour point, Gardner. max, 2.
I
-26°C; average molecular mass, 1000; flash point, Cleveland Open Cup, 93°C (200°F) minimum; Brookfield viscosity, 25°C, 3.0 mPa•s (3.0
sulfur content, percent, 36-40; color, Heilige, 9-12. The product shall be a disfunctional mercaptan centipoise); density or unit mass, 25°C, 984
made from 98 mole percent of bis (2-chloroethyl) formal and 2 mole percent of trichloropropane. kg/m3 (8.208 lbs/gal); color, water white:
I
Color (APHA), 100 maximum; amine value based on titration which reacts with the 3 nitrogens refractive index. 25°C. 1.43; boiling point, 1.3
in the molecule (1250-1350); appearance, clear and substantially free of suspended matter. kPa absolute pressure (10 mmHg), 106°C.
J
J
Color (APHA), 100 maximum; hydroxyl number, 245-255: water (Karl Fischer) 0.05-percent Surface area 115-130 m2/g; particle diameter
maximum. 18-30 millimicrons; pH, 7.0-8.5; fixed carbon
K
Surface area, 115-130, m2/g; particle diameter. 18-30 millimicrons; pH, 7.0-8.5; fixed carbon (moisture free), 96-98 percent; volatile matter,
(moisture free), 96-98 percent; volatile matter, 1-4 percent: oil absorption, stiff paste endpoint, 1-4 percent oil absorption, stiff past endpoint
0.80-0.90 mL/g. 0.80-0.90 mL/g.

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M 237 SPECIFICATIONS FOR MATERIALS

TABLE 3 Chemical Composition of Type 4.5 Certificate of Compliance-The 5. PACKAGING AND MARKING
IV Epoxy manufacturer shall furnish to the
Parts by purchaser a Certificate of Compliance for
Mass Component A, Component B and for the 5.1 Components shall be packaged and
Component A mixed epoxy. The certificate shall certify marked as set forth under "Packaging" in
Epoxy Resin Epon 828, Shell (or conformance to this specification. Test, AASHTO M 200 except that the proper
100.00
equal) results shall be maintained and available mixing ratio shall always be specified.
Titanium Dioxide (TI' P-442,
7.68 upon request.
Type III, Class A)
Talc #13 or equal 36.64 4.6 Test methods: 6. RECOMMENDED PRACTICE
Component B 4.6.1 Brookfield Viscosity AASHTO T
N-Aminoethyl Piperazine 237.
Jefferson (or equal)
25.10 6.1 Surface Preparation:
Nonyl Phenol 50.03 4.6.2 Epoxide Equivalent AASHTO T 6.1.1 Road surface must be cleaned by
Talc Fiberene C-400, Sierra (or 237. sandblasting the area to which marker is
69.28
equal) 4.6.3 Color, Gardner ASTM D 1544. to be bonded except for recessed or sawn
Molacco Black or equal 0.23 installations. Sand must be clean and dry.
4.6.4 Color, Heilige Federal Test
4.4 Physical Requirements for the Mixed Method Nº 141, Method 4242. 6.1.2 When markers are to be placed
Epoxy (Component A mixed with over existing traffic paint stripes, all old
Component B) Types I, II, III, and IV. 4.6.5 Color, APAH ASTM D 1209.
paint and primer, if present must be
4.4.1 Gel time, minutes: 4.6.6 Gel Time, AASHTO T 237. removed.
Type I 6-10 4.6.7 Oil Absorption ASTM D 1483. 6.2 Adhesive Mixing and Metering:
Type II 6-10 4.6.8 pH ASTM D 1208. 6.2.1 Machine mixer and applicator
Type III 6-10
Type IV 6-10
4.6.9 Hegman Rating ASTM D 1210. must be capable of accurately and
4.6.10 Maximum Particle Size ASTM D uniformly proportioning Component A to
4.4.2 Bond strength to concrete, Component B in a volume ratio of 1 to 1
maximum time, minutes to reach 1380 185.
within ± 5 percent by volume of each
kPa (200 psi). (See table entitled "Bond 4.6.11 Percent Passing 45-µm (Nº 325) component (i.e., within range of 47.5
Strength to Concrete"). Screen AASHTO T 192. percent to 52.5 percent for each
4.4.3 Slant shear strength (See table 4.6.12 Infra-red Curve AASHTO T 237. compound).
entitled "Slant Shear Strength"). 4.6.13 Refractive Index ASTM D 1747. 6.2.2 Mixing chamber must produce
4.4.4 Tensile adhesion and cohesion, 4.6.14 Vacuum Distillation ASTM D the mixed adhesive with a uniform grey
4.4.4.1 Ceramic marker bottom, kPa 3272. color with no visible evidence of streaks
(psi), minimum: of either black or white on the surface or
4.6.15 Flash Point, Tag Open Cup
within the mixed adhesive.
Type I 4830 (700) AASHTO T 79.
Type II 4830 (700) 6.2.3 Voids in a cured undisturbed
4.6.16 Flash Point, Cleveland Open Cup
Type III 4830 (700) sample 1.6 mm (1/16 in.) thick from the
Type IV 4830 (700)
AASHTO T 48.
extrusion nozzle shall not exceed 4
4.4.4.2 Ceramic marker bottom, 4.6.17 Water Content ASTM D 1208. percent.
including post cure, kPa (psi), minimum: 4.6.18 Pour Point, ASTM D 97. 6.2.4 Periodic checks of the
Type I 4830 (700) 4.6.19 Specific Gravity AASHTO T 237. proportioning equipment shall be made to
Type II 4830 (700) determine the actual volume ratio of A to
4.6.20 Surface Area D-2752.
Type III 4830 (700) B. This shall be done by placing
Type IV 4830 (700) 4.6.21 Bond Strength to Concrete containers before the mixing chamber
4.4.4.3 Reflective pavement marker, AASHTO T 237. and the actual volume of A and B
bottom kPa (psi), minimum: 4.6.22 Tensile Adhesion and Cohesion measured.
Type I 3450 (500) AASHTO T 237. 6.2.5 The ambient temperature during
Type II 3450 (500) 4.6.23 Slant Shear Strength AASHTO T application of Types II and IV epoxy
Type III 3450 (500) 237. shall be at least 10°C (50°F) and
Type IV 3450 (500)
4.6.24 Shear Strength AASHTO T 237. preferably higher than 15.6°C (60°F).
4.4.5 Color-Color for all types shall be These adhesives harden relatively slow at
approximately that of Color 26132 to 4.6.25 Shear Ratio, AASHTO T 237.
10°C (50°F) but the hardening rate
26152 of Federal Standard Nº 595. 4.6.26 Percent of Air, Federal Test rapidly accelerates as temperature
Method Nº 141, Method 4184. increases.

Bond Strength to Concrete

Type I Type II, Type IV Type III
at 25 ± 1°C (77 ± 2°F), maximum 35 210 35
at 10 --* 1°C (50 ± 2°F), maximum 45 - 45
at - 1 ± 1°C (31 ± 2°F), maximum 85 - 85

Slant Shear Strength

Type I Type II, Type IV Type III
24 h at 25 ± 1°C, kPa (psi), minimum 6895 (1000) 13790(2000) 6895 (1000)
24 h at 25 ± I°C, plus water soak, kPa (psi), minimum 5516 (800) 10342(1500) 6895 (1000)

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