Something to look forward to: Researchers have developed a new type of asphalt capable of repairing its own cracks over time. This material, inspired by the regenerative abilities of trees and certain animals, aims to address the problem of potholes in the UK, which cost millions annually in repairs, not to mention causing significant frustration for drivers. The exact mechanisms of crack formation in asphalt are not fully understood, but they often originate from the hardening of bitumen due to oxidation. To tackle this issue, scientists from King's College London and Swansea University collaborated with researchers in Chile on ways to reverse this process and effectively "stitch" asphalt back together.The researchers used artificial intelligence, specifically leveraging Google Cloud's AI capabilities, to develop the self-healing asphalt by combining materials science with advanced modeling techniques.The key innovation is a sophisticated blend of natural spore microcapsules and waste-based rejuvenators. In laboratory experiments, researchers demonstrated that this new asphalt material could heal a microcrack in less than an hour.The asphalt mixture incorporates tiny plant spores filled with recycled oils. These microcapsules are smaller than a strand of hair and are designed to rupture when cracks begin to form in the asphalt. When the road surface is compressed by passing traffic, the spores release their oil, softening the bitumen and allowing it to flow back together. This process enables the asphalt to mend its own cracks over time, effectively "stitching" the material back together.The researchers used machine learning algorithms to analyze organic molecules in the bitumen for insights into the molecular structure and behavior of asphalt materials. They developed data-driven models that accelerate atomistic simulations and advance research into the crack formation processes. The AI also helped identify chemical properties that contribute to self-healing capabilities and enable the creation of virtual molecules, similar to techniques used in drug discovery.Asphalt production for construction and maintenance in the UK is a massive undertaking, with over 20 million tons produced annually. While the industry has been moving towards more sustainable practices by incorporating recycled materials like food waste, the persistent issue of cracks and potholes has remained challenging. // Related StoriesThis difficulty arises due to asphalt's composition of binder, aggregates, and air voids, which complicates the prediction of crack initiation and propagation. Various contributing factors, including traffic loading, temperature fluctuations, oxidation, moisture infiltration, and construction quality, further complicate the process and make it hard to model accurately.The self-healing asphalt is still in the development phase, but it holds promise for improving infrastructure and promoting sustainability worldwide.