News.am — Russian scientists have found a new way to solve the eternal problem of roads: they propose adding chrysotile asbestos fibers to asphalt, which significantly increases the strength of the pavement and extends its lifespan.
Poor roads are such a common issue in Russia that many have grown accustomed to potholes and cracks, but climate change has only worsened the situation: in heat, asphalt softens and settles, while in frost it loses flexibility and cracks. While these damages are usually simply filled with mineral powder, experts from Perm National Research Polytechnic University have suggested a completely different solution.
Chrysotile asbestos is a natural mineral composed of very fine fibers, known for its high strength and flexibility, and it withstands temperatures up to 1500 °C. According to Professor Konstantin Pugin, unlike inert mineral powder, chrysotile asbestos fibers selectively absorb light oil fractions of bitumen and stabilize its structure, reducing the loss of light bitumen fractions by 2.9 times.
The scientists tested various mixture compositions and, through mathematical modeling, found that maximum efficiency is achieved when fiber content is 1.2–1.8 percent and bitumen content is 5.9–7.2 percent. This ratio can increase asphalt strength by 30-40 percent, and since chrysotile asbestos is mined in Russia, it can fully replace expensive synthetic components currently imported from abroad. This represents not only a technological but also a major economic breakthrough.
