Imagine being able to say goodbye to potholes, those annoying craters that put a strain on the suspensions and tires of our cars. A dream? Maybe not, thanks to a team of scientists who could give us the roads of the future that are capable of self-repairing. It's not magic but a mix of biology, chemistry and artificial intelligence, a true "elixir of long life" for asphalt. The goal is to create a road surface that can regenerate like a wounded tree, drastically reducing maintenance costs, damage to vehicles and environmental impact. Let's find out together how this innovation works?
Goodbye Damaged Asphalt: Bio-Spores Are Coming
A group of researchers from the prestigious King's College London, together with colleagues from the Swansea University and other Chilean collaborators, has made a sensational discovery: a method to reverse the deterioration process of bitumen. This opens up incredible scenarios, projecting us towards a future in which roads repair themselves, as if by magic. But how much do potholes cost us today? In Europe (especially, but also in the USA and elsewhere) the damage from potholes amounts to to several tens of billions per year, an astronomical figure that weighs on the pockets of motorists. Not to mention the inconveniences, dangers and wasted time.
“Creating asphalt that can heal itself will increase the longevity of roads and reduce the need for repairs”
That's why this innovation is so important: it's not just about saving money, but about improving the quality of life and protecting the environment.
The Mystery of the Deteriorated Bitumen
But why does asphalt deteriorate? The culprit is the bitumen, that black, sticky substance that holds road surfaces together. When bitumen is exposed to oxygen, it hardens and cracks. The exact mechanism of this process is still a mystery, but researchers are using advanced techniques to machine learning algorithm to reveal its secrets. The challenge is complex, because bitumen is a mixture of very different organic molecules.
“Complex molecular organic fluids such as bitumen, lubricants, crude oil or bio-based oils from biorefineries are inherently difficult to model with molecular precision, given the great variety and complexity of organic molecules in their composition.”
For this reason, researchers have developed a sophisticated computational system, capable of analyzing data from experiments of Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and create predictive models of bitumen behavior.
Bio-Spore: The Key to Self-Repairing Roads of the Future
But let's get to the heart of the discovery: how will these roads of the future repair themselves? The secret lies in the use of "extremely resistant bio-spores", smaller than a human hair. Imagine them as tiny capsules, filled with recycled oils capable of "rejuvenating" the asphalt. When a crack forms, these capsules break, releasing their precious contents and reversing the deterioration process.
Il Dr. Francisco Martin-Martinez, computational chemistry expert at the King's College London and co-author of the research (that I link to you here), explains that inspiration comes from nature (just for a change): “In our study, we want to mimic the healing properties observed in nature. For example, when a tree or an animal is cut down, their wounds heal naturally over time, using their own biology.”
Sustainability and savings: the advantages
The roads of the future will not only be more resistant, but also more sustainable. Researchers are testing waste materials, such as biomass, to reduce dependence on oil and natural resources.
“We are also using sustainable materials in our new asphalt, including biomass waste. This will reduce our dependence on oil and natural resources. Biomass waste is available locally and everywhere, and it is cost effective. Producing infrastructure materials from local resources such as waste reduces dependence on oil availability, helping those areas of the world that have limited access to petroleum-based asphalt.”
Biomass is an abundant and cheap resource, available in every corner of the planet. Using it to build our roads means reducing pollution, creating new jobs and promoting a circular economy. The typical expression we use when we get a flat tire (“What a shitty road”) will take on a whole new meaning.
Roads of the future, as good as new in record time
Laboratory experiments have shown that a micro-crack can be repaired in less than an hour. Forget about long waits, endless construction sites and endless queues. With the roads of the future, problems solve themselves, quickly and efficiently.
“In the UK, where people like to complain loudly about these things, the cost is around £143,5 million a year, before you even factor in the cost of local journalists having to photograph annoyed local men standing next to them and frowning.”
Of course, there is still a long way to go. More research and investment is needed to turn this promising technology into a widespread reality. But the future seems brighter than ever. A future where potholes will be just a bad memory and our roads will be safer, more sustainable and more durable. Even in Naples! (Well, the enthusiasm makes me throw my heart over the obstacle).
