The Missouri Department of Transportation is experimenting with “soy-based” paint for use on the state’s highways. MoDOT says it’s testing four different types of yellow and white paints that contain soybean oil for use in highway striping.
The soy-based paint is made by using the same raw materials and processing techniques as traditional, water-based paint except the soybean oil replaces some of the petroleum ingredients. Soy paint is considered to be more environmentally friendly than other paints because it’s made from soybeans, a renewable agricultural crop that is plentiful in Missouri.
The 12-foot test stripes, which are located on Route 63 just north of Jefferson City, run across the roadway – from the shoulder to the center stripe. That way, the paint can be tested for how well it sticks to the ground and holds up against tire wear. MoDOT will also be looking to see how the paint withstands the ultimate test: snowplow blades.
“Snowplows are the Achilles heel of any highway paint,” said Todd Bennett, MoDOT’s chemical laboratory director. “As we monitor the wear and tear of the paint over the next year, we’ll especially be looking to see how durable it is in winter weather.”
MoDOT has been working with the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council to test the paint, which was developed by Cargill.