Graphene-infused asphalt could be a new chapter in the road sector, where potholes are no longer a problem. This conclusion is based on the results of testing the innovative nano coating in the UK. report Popular science.
Graphene is an extremely durable, highly conductive and flexible carbon-based material. Furthermore, its thickness is only one atom. In 2022, Essex announced plans to trial graphene-infused asphalt on a new motorway access road near London. As a result, more than 165 tons of nanomaterials were spread on one of the traffic lanes, while the second lane was made of traditional asphalt.
Over the next three years, both coatings were subjected to impacts from cars and trucks as well as temperature changes. Engineers then took core samples from both strips and conducted a series of tests and analyzes on them. Specifically, they measured the pressure needed to deform each sample and soaked it in water for 72 hours. According to test results, asphalt supplemented with graphene performed 10% better in hardness tests and 20% better in water sensitivity tests. Engineers also discovered that when the nanomaterial cracked, it was the synthetic stone that cracked, not the asphalt and bonding agent.
Therefore, the graphene-coated road surface, called Gipave, turns out to be more durable, less abrasive and perhaps a more environmentally friendly option. The only downside to nanomaterials is its price – about 30 cents per square foot. However, in the first phase, as Popular Science notes, it can only be used to fill existing potholes in the road.
