Abstract: A pavement marking material comprises a flexible base sheet that is conformable to an irregular pavement surface. A durable, wear-resistant, polymeric top layer is adhered to one surface of the base sheet. The top layer is capable of undergoing brittle fracture at a temperature from 0.degree. C. to 45.degree. C. such that when the base sheet conforms an irregular surface, the top layer readily forms ruptures to relieve stress build-up in the top layer as the regions of the top layer defined by the ruptures remain adhered to, and follow the conformance of, the base sheet. A plurality of particles are embedded in and protrude from the top layer. The particles comprise retroreflective beads and skid-resistant granules. In a preferred embodiment, the top layer is characterized by a Young's modulus of from about 50,000 psi to about 300,000 psi, and a percent elongation at break of from about 4% to about 35%.

Abstract: A retroreflective sheeting utilizing a particular polymer as the bead bond layer is disclosed. The polymeric bead bond comprises urethane and urea linkages, and has a stage prior to thermosetting in which it may be softened by the application of heat and in which it has a relatively nontacky character. The retroreflective sheeting disclosed possesses the unique combination of high reflectance and superior exterior durability.

Abstract: A retroreflective sheeting utilizing a particular polymer as the bead bond layer is disclosed. The polymeric bead bond comprises urethane and urea linkages, and has a stage prior to thermosetting in which it may be softened by the application of heat and in which it has a relatively nontacky character. The retroreflective sheeting disclosed possesses the unique combination of high reflectance and superior exterior durability.

Abstract: A method of preparing a storage-stable one-part reactive liquid thermal curing polymeric coating composition from an isocyanate-functional polymeric compound which has a substantial portion of its isocyanate groups masked with an isocyanate masking agent, and a crosslinking agent which is substantially insoluble in aprotic solvents. These liquid compositions are homogeneous even when free of solvents. Preferably the crosslinking agent is a crystalline polyol. The method involves the synthesis of a solubilizing oligomer which is formed by the partial reaction of the crosslinking agent and the unmasked isocyanate-functional polymeric compound. The thermal curing of these compositions results in polymeric coatings which possess superior physical properties. These cured coatings are particularly useful in the manufacture of retroreflective sheeting.