Spanish companies are working with thermodynamic paint that allows highway markings to become red, blue or green depending on if there are freezing temperatures.
Collosa, a company from Valladolid, is leading a line of research called Vialcyl, aimed at making lane markings change color with the temperature. In this way drivers can be warned of different risks that may exist on the highway. For example, if the temperature drops five degrees, the markings can change color to become green, blue or red, indicating the imminent risk of freezing.
The secret is in creating a thermodynamic paint that recognizes ambient temperature and, from there, that changes color. With this technique, the driver can be warned of possible sheets of ice and the speed limits can be stressed in cases of low visibility.
Collosa is also working on the machines that apply this special paint, toward the goal of making highway markings more precise. Further, it aims to use types of paint that are safer on roads.
Another of the goals of this technique is to make information available about dangerous areas that might exist on the roadway, and warn about the most dangerous stretches, in order to later propose improvements and corrections.
Companies from Zamora, Salamanca and León have joined the project, such as PAS, Herbiplast, Inzamac, San Gregorio and Proconsi. The majority are construction firms and the others related with the ITC sector. Further the technology centers Cartif, Cidaut and Cedetel are participating, as well as the University of Salamanca.
El Mundo.es