The addition of graphene will increase the life of the road surface

Recently, there have been frequent news stories about graphene and possible applications for this material. Basically, all these areas of application of graphene relate to high technologies, electronics, nanotechnology, solar energy, etc. However, studies carried out by specialists from two Italian companies have shown that the addition of graphene to asphalt composition can significantly increase the strength, quality and service life of the road surface.

The two companies just mentioned are Directa Plus, a manufacturer of graphene-based products, and Iterchimica, which specializes in asphalt additives. The two companies have developed Eco Pave, a recently pending patent-pending Graphene Plus technology that improves the quality
of asphalt pavement with the addition of graphene due to the material’s high thermal conductivity. Such “graphene” asphalt does not soften much at high ambient temperatures, and does not harden or crack much at low temperatures. At the same time, the high mechanical strength of graphene increases the elasticity and strength of asphalt, which reduces wear on the road surface. Tests have shown that Eco Pave graphene additive can increase the service life of the road surface from the current 6-7 years to 12-14 years, i.e. twice.

In addition to using Eco Pave on new roads, asphalt with it can be used to repair cracks and potholes in conventional roads. In addition, Eco Pave is 100 percent recyclable by pulverizing old asphalt, heating it up and adding some new plasticizer. Directa Plus and Iterchim
ica have already tested Eco Pave asphalt in laboratory conditions, and in the near future a section of the road with a new surface will be laid. Despite the use of “high-tech” graphene, the cost of Eco Pave, according to the promises of companies Directa Plus and Iterchimica, will be at an acceptable level. The cost of purchasing this additive in the future will pay off many times over by reducing the cost of road repair and replacement of the road surface that has worked out its life.

Source: www.dailytechinfo.org