Directa Plus PLC (LON:DCTA) and its Italian partner, Iterchimica, have announced a successful first trial of their upgraded road surface material.
The trial was the first commercial test of asphalt concrete that had been enhanced with G+. Directa's graphene-based technology.
WATCH: Directa Plus hails positive lab test results on improved road surfacing
Directa said the one-kilometre-long stretch of road that had been resurfaced with the new material showed an improvement of more than 250% in fatigue resistance.
The road showed enhanced resistance to the passage of vehicles, with mechanical tests showing an indirect tensile strength increase of 35%.
Stiffness – defined as an indicator of the tendency for an element to return to its original form after being subjected to a force – was measured at different temperatures and showed an improvement of 46% of 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).
Rutting values – track left by tyres – was 35% lower at 60 degrees Celsius (140 degrees Fahrenheit).
As a result of the successful trial, Directa Plus and Iterchimica are now starting discussions to replicate the trial in new locations in Italy and in other territories including the UK, the US and Oman.
"This trial has proven that the G+ upgraded asphalt super-modifier, is suitable for high-traffic roads, highways, airports, and ports. The product perfectly matches Directa Plus's and Iterchimica's vision by offering an innovative, environmentally friendly and sustainable solution to the challenge of reducing the carbon footprint of road surfacing and resurfacing," said Giulio Cesareo, the founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of Directa Plus.
Federica Giannattasio, the CEO of Iterchimic, said the road tests backed up the laboratory results and represent a further step towards the company's goals of enabling “recycled and 100% recyclable roads that are produced at low temperatures, long-lasting, without potholes and environmentally friendly”.