Switzerland creates pothole-killing technology

Swiss researchers use magnetic nanoparticles to inhibit pothole formation.

New technology allows scientists to prevent pothole formation. Video: Reuters.

Researchers at ETH Zurich University, Switzerland created canti-cracking road technology to prevent the formation of potholes bymagnetic nanoparticles, Reuters reported on August 14.

Magnetic nanoparticles are added to asphalt to create the road mix. Magnetic fields are then used to seal the cracks. "The idea behind this technology is to mix nanoparticles into the binder,"Etienne Jeoffroy, a PhD student, said.

"The magnetic field heats the road through the nanoparticles before the asphalt flows in to close the cracks.To fill the potholes, we mix a few nanoparticles into the mixture and use a local magnetic field to heat it up to bond the old and new material,"Jeoffroy explained.

To be able to self-heal cracks and prevent potholes from forming, roads would have to be built entirely from a mixture containing nanoparticles. Maintenance vehicles equipped with large magnetic loops wouldTrigger this process once a year.

The team’s nano-solution to combat potholes has been patented. The scientists are looking for commercial partners to scale up the system.

According to VNE