The Industrial University of Santander (UIS) has obtained a new patent granted by the Superintendence of Industry and Commerce (SIC). This achievement is thanks to the work of the Polymer Research Group and their formula for an ecological pavement.
This innovative process allows the creation of a sustainable additive that enhances the pavement properties and reduces the temperature of mixing in road construction. This sustainable component offers great benefits for the road infrastructure sector in the country.
## Impact of Ecological Pavement
“Our commitment as researchers and university members is to generate added value that benefits society,” stated Gustavo Emilio Ramírez Caballero, full professor at the School of Chemical Engineering of UIS.
The production of the additive will not only generate more employment opportunities but also have a positive impact on the environment.
The creation of this additive arises from the need to implement sustainable processes that take advantage of by-products from established industries, such as glycerol from the biodiesel industry. This additive reduces the environmental impact of the paving process by decreasing energy usage and emissions.
## Benefits for the Industry
The additive benefits both the biodiesel industry and the flexible pavement construction sector. Government entities also benefit as maintenance and repair costs of roads are reduced, optimizing public resources allocated to road infrastructure.
The challenge for UIS researchers is to form an alliance with a company in the sector to advance industrial-scale production, build test sections, and achieve the commercialization of the additive. Additionally, it is crucial to raise awareness about the material and its benefits to entities such as INVIAS, so that it is considered in the specification for polymer-modified asphalt cements.
## Commitment to Sustainability
The Industrial University of Santander reaffirms its commitment to research in service of society by delivering a sustainable solution that reduces maintenance costs and road infrastructure construction, improving connectivity and quality of life in the country.
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