Tech firm paves way for growth with graphene roads

A tech firm is aiming to accelerate growth ambitions after unveiling “milestone” road repair work.

Universal Matter has rolled out a graphene-enhanced asphalt venture.

Bosses say the technology has huge potential to lower council highway bills by reducing surface rutting, cracking and potholes.

And they have revealed the Canada-headquartered company – which runs a North East base at the Wilton Centre, near Redcar – is in talks with local authorities over potential adoption of the technology, which was used in recent resurfacing work in Northumberland and Redcar.

Known as Genable Pavement and rolled out alongside Tarmac, the product uses the ultra-lightweight material graphene, which has long been applauded for being exceptionally strong and conductive, despite being thinner than a human hair.

Andy Gent, UK managing director at Universal Matter, which previously bought Applied Graphene Materials’ main operating businesses, said: “Northumberland County Council and Redcar & Cleveland Council have shown real leadership by moving from trial work into commercial road schemes.

“This project shows how advanced materials can be deployed through existing asphalt production routes and evaluated in real-world road conditions.”

Highlighting the potential benefit of Genable Pavement to local authorities’ budgets, Councillor Carl Quartermain, Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council’s cabinet member for highways and transport, said it could help “deliver better long-term value for taxpayers”.

He said: “We were proud to be an early adopter of graphene-enhanced asphalt.

“Many people feel road surfaces don’t last as long as they once did, but the reality is that our highways are carrying far greater volumes of traffic and heavier vehicles than in previous decades. 

“That is why it is so important we continue to explore new materials and technologies that have the potential to improve durability and reduce maintenance.”

Ian Carr, Tarmac regional technical manager, added: “These schemes are an important milestone in demonstrating how innovative materials can be incorporated into conventional asphalt production and laid using standard processes. 

“Working with Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, Northumberland County Council and Universal Matter has helped build the evidence base for longer-lasting, more resilient road surfaces.”

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