Asphalt is coming that will repair its own cracks

We'll soon have asphalt that will seal its own holes. At least that's what researchers from Swansea University and King's College London claim.

In collaboration with Chilean scientists, they developed an innovative material to solve the problem of cracks and potholes in the road.

During the research, artificial intelligence was used to study organic molecules in complex liquids such as bitumen.

To make the asphalt self-adhesive, scientists used tiny, porous materials called spores. They are smaller than a hair and are made from plants. The spores are filled with recycled oils, which are released when the asphalt begins to decompose. This seals the cracks.

Potholes, often caused by water penetrating and freezing into cracks in asphalt, cause significant damage to vehicles and require expensive repairs.

Laboratory tests show that the new asphalt can completely repair small cracks in less than an hour and prevent larger holes from forming. This not only promises faster repairs, but also a more sustainable approach to road construction.

“Using sustainable materials like biomass waste will reduce our dependence on oil and natural resources,” says Dr. Francisco Martin-Martinez from King’s College in London.

Although further research and investment are needed, scientists believe that the lifespan of roads could be extended by up to 30 percent with new materials. Let's explain the picture further.

Laboratory experiments have shown that the new bitumen completely seals microcracks on the surface in less than an hour. /Telegraph/