World first: ‘Graphene-enhanced’ road laid on Teesside
The innovative material, which is said to be more durable and environmentally friendly, was used on a public road in Teesside.
Universal Matter GBR Ltd, a Redcar-based graphene company, collaborated with Tarmac, the UK’s largest road construction firm, and Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council to lay the road using their Genable™ Pavement additive.
The addition of graphene to the asphalt is said to extend the road’s lifespan by reducing rutting and cracking, and increasing resistance to potholes.
This promises a ‘smoother journey’ for drivers and less damage to vehicles, potentially leading to ‘significant reductions’ in the carbon footprint of roads.
The enhanced asphalt material has previously been tested in several car parks in the United States and Canada, and at the National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) test track.
However, this was the first demonstration on a public road anywhere in the world.
The graphene additive was mixed with over 150 tonnes of asphalt at Tarmac’s Coxhoe asphalt plant in Durham, before being transported to Flatts Lane Country Park, on the edge of Middlesbrough, where a new entrance road was constructed.
Andy Gent, the commercial director of Universal Matter, said: “It’s an exciting day for the business globally because it represents a real step forward for the product.
“It’s great to see it taken from the lab stage to full road application.
“This product has great potential, and we are delighted that Tarmac agreed to participate.”
Universal Matter has developed cleaner, faster, and more economical technology to produce graphene, an advanced carbon-based nanomaterial with a wide range of applications.
Its proprietary Flash Joule Heating process, coupled with its ‘distinct capability’ to produce fully formulated graphene-based solutions, can greatly improve the properties of a wide range of infrastructure and industrial materials.
Graphene has a number of special properties – including strength and flexibility – which add value and enhance performance to materials like asphalt, as well as paints and coatings, concrete and tyres.
Brian Kent, technical director A&A for Tarmac, said: “As part of our drive to explore, and develop new solutions to our customers, particularly focussing on durability and sustainability, we were happy to participate in this project which provides the opportunity to assess performance and potential further use.”
Councillor Carl Quartermain, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “This is fantastic news for our area, showcasing the innovation and expertise of businesses right here in Redcar and Cleveland.
“We take pride in being at the forefront of sustainable, cutting-edge technology that not only improves our roads but also benefits motorists and the environment.
“Redcar’s Universal Matter and Tarmac are demonstrating how local talent and big industry can drive real change, and I’d like to congratulate everyone involved in making this a UK first.
“We look forward to continuing this partnership and bringing more pioneering projects into our borough, strengthening our reputation as a hub for advanced materials and sustainable infrastructure.”
Universal Matter’s chief marketing officer Dru Kefalos said: “We are very pleased to support this asphalt pavement project in Middlesbrough, in collaboration with Tarmac and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council.
“This project is the first use of our Genable™ Pavement graphene-based polymer composite in the UK.
“We expect this product to deliver reduced rutting, cracking and ultimately enhanced durability of this and other future asphalt projects.”
