The material is a combination of bitumen (a common road and roofing material), salt potassium formate and polymer styrene-butadiene-styrene. Initial testing showed that the material was effective at delaying ice formation by releasing salt for a two-month period. Researchers estimated real-world use would last even longer, because vehicles would wear away the salt-depleted layers, revealing new ice-repelling salt beneath.
What technological breakthrough could prevent roads from cracking in cold climates?
Answer: embedded salt
Researchers from Turkey's Koc University developed a new material that could be used for roadways in cold climates, ensuring that they do not crack.
The material is a combination of bitumen (a common road and roofing material), salt potassium formate and polymer styrene-butadiene-styrene. Initial testing showed that the material was effective at delaying ice formation by releasing salt for a two-month period. Researchers estimated real-world use would last even longer, because vehicles would wear away the salt-depleted layers, revealing new ice-repelling salt beneath.
The material is a combination of bitumen (a common road and roofing material), salt potassium formate and polymer styrene-butadiene-styrene. Initial testing showed that the material was effective at delaying ice formation by releasing salt for a two-month period. Researchers estimated real-world use would last even longer, because vehicles would wear away the salt-depleted layers, revealing new ice-repelling salt beneath.
