Environmentally Friendly Low Friction Coating for Concrete Barriers

Resodyn Corporation is proposing a material and application system that will create a low friction coating on concrete median barriers. The advanced material developed for the low friction coating is an affordable, tough, weather resistant, and environmentally friendly copolymer. The proposed application concept is for truck mounted equipment that enables a single pass application of the coating which is then immediately ready for service and avoids traffic delays. The proposed coating will significantly reduce friction between concrete barriers and colliding vehicles and, therefore, reduces the tendency for a vehicle tire to climb the barrier, which could result in a severe rollover crash. The proposed Phase I effort combines material development and testing tasks with a novel application technique that allows for rapid application. The application approach enables in-place coating, is solvent free, and is easily repairable. The coating application technology and coatings will be configured to be applied using a truck mounted/automated application system, mirroring the design and operation of conventional highway stripping equipment.