The United Kingdom has become a pioneer in road infrastructure innovation by testing for the first time a public road enhanced with graphene , an environmentally friendly and highly durable solution. This initiative, carried out in Teesside, in the north-east of England, seeks to improve the resistance of roads, reduce the formation of potholes and cracks and at the same time contribute to environmental sustainability.
New graphene compound integrated into asphalt
Advanced technology company Universal Matter GBR Ltd has been instrumental in this breakthrough. In collaboration with Tarmac, a leading UK road builder, and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, they have developed a new graphene composite – G enable™ Pavement – which has been integrated into asphalt to extend the life of road surfaces.
Graphene , known for its exceptional properties as an ultra-thin and resilient material, has been combined with asphalt to create a stronger pavement, less susceptible to wear and tear, and able to withstand damage caused by constant traffic . This innovative material offers a more durable pavement and reduces the need for frequent repairs, contributing to a more efficient and environmentally friendly road infrastructure.
Carbon footprint reduction
One of the highlights of this project is its potential to reduce the carbon footprint of UK roads. Using graphene in pavement improves the efficiency of the material, which can reduce the amount of resources needed for repairs, and thus the emission of polluting gases.
It’s an exciting day for the company globally because it represents a real step forward for the product. It’s fantastic to see it move from the lab stage to full road application.
said Andy Gent, Chief Commercial Officer of Universal Matter.
He also highlighted that this is the first time that graphene has been applied to a public road, a fundamental step towards consolidating this material as a standard in road construction.
A solution for the future
The impact of this type of technology goes beyond durability. Graphene-enhanced roads are expected to offer a smoother surface for vehicles, which will reduce wear and tear on cars and therefore maintenance costs for drivers.
This improvement in public infrastructure also promises significant savings on repairing potholes and cracks, which has been a growing financial burden for UK drivers.
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Source: Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council
Photos: Universal Matter