Laboratory tests have confirmed that asphalt reinforced with algae oil recovers its shape better, increasing the durability of asphalt layers and extending the life of roads.
Bitumen, a heavy material resulting from oil processing, acts as a glue that binds the stones and sand in asphalt, but it loses its elasticity at low temperatures, leading to cracks that turn into potholes over time, causing continuous repairs and a carbon footprint as a result of oil extraction.
According to a team led by Assistant Professor Elham Finni of the University of Arizona, replacing a portion of the bitumen with bio-algae oils can reduce the carbon footprint of asphalt by up to 4.5% for every percentage point of the additive. The microalgae species *Haematococcus pluvialis* showed the best results, providing greater flexibility in cold conditions and better resistance to traffic and humidity.
Although the cost of biomaterials is high, researchers are considering introducing them as a supplement to traditional asphalt components, as a 22% content could lead to carbon-neutral asphalt, which represents an important step towards more environmentally friendly and longer-lasting roads.
