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 a 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