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New biopolymer gives asphalt roads a soybean-based-boost
Along with their use in foods, soybeans have also been utilized as a source of graphene, a greener alternative to mulch, and an ingredient in longer-lasting tires. Now, they’re additionally being used to extend the life of asphalt roads.
Usually, in order to make asphalt more pliable and thus less likely to crack, a synthetic rubber known as polybutadiene is added to it. Not only is that rubber in short supply, but it’s also carcinogenic – and as is the case with other petroleum-based materials, the process by which its raw ingredients are obtained isn’t very eco-friendly.
With these drawbacks in mind, scientists at Iowa State University looked to soybeans as an alternative. Led by Prof. Eric Cochran and Dr. Christopher Williams, they eventually developed a process for converting soybean oil into a biopolymer that closely matches the performance of polybutadiene.
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