New algae-derived road material reduces carbon output and cracking

Cold can make traditional roads brittle. REPRESENTATION PIC/ISTOCK

Researchers have developed a tougher, longer-lasting road material from an unexpected source: algae. Oils derived from microscopic algae could replace part of the petroleum-based binder used in asphalt, making paved surfaces more flexible, durable, and greener.

Conventional pavement relies on bitumen, a crude oil-based material that binds sand and rocks together. While bitumen allows roads to expand in heat and contract in cold, it becomes brittle when temperatures plunge, leading to cracks that spread under traffic and moisture.

To counter this issue, researchers used computer modeling to analyse which algae oils could mix well with asphalt solids and remain functional during freezing conditions. One species stood out. Oil from the freshwater green microalga Haematococcus pluvialis showed the strongest resistance to permanent deformation under simulated traffic stress.

It also offered better protection against moisture-related damage, a key contributor to pothole formation. The researchers estimate that replacing just 1 per cent of petroleum-based binder with algae-derived material could reduce net carbon emissions from asphalt by 4.5 per cent.

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