Graphene, the strongest material ever measured, has been hyped for everything from bulletproof armor to a 22,000-mile ‘space elevator’—but now, it’s taking on a more down-to-earth problem: potholes.
This game-changing material, which is 200 times stronger than steel and can stretch to over twice its length, is being added to road surfaces to make them last longer. In a UK first, graphene specialist Universal Matter and Tarmac have paved a public road with graphene-enhanced asphalt. The goal? Tougher roads that resist wear and tear from traffic and weather, cutting down on cracks, ruts, and—most importantly—potholes. That means fewer bumps and a smoother ride for drivers.
“It’s an exciting day for the business globally because it represents a real step forward for the product,” said Andy Gent, commercial director at Universal Matter. “It’s great to see it taken from the lab stage to full road application. This product has great potential, and we are delighted that Tarmac agreed to participate.”
The first test site is a new entrance road at Flatts Lane Country Park near Middlesbrough, backed by Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council. ““This is fantastic news for our area, showcasing the innovation and expertise of businesses right here in Redcar and Cleveland,” said a council spokesperson.
While graphene-enhanced asphalt has been tested in North American car parks, this is the first time it’s been used on a public road anywhere in the world. If it works as hoped, it could be a game-changer for crumbling roads everywhere.
