South Korea has unveiled an innovative self-repairing road that uses sunlight to fix cracks and potholes. The road is made with a unique asphalt blend containing nano-microcapsules. When exposed to the sun’s UV rays, these capsules release a polymer-oil mix that seals surface damage.
Remarkably, the road repairs itself even in winter conditions, with cracks closing within 45 minutes of sunlight exposure. Built-in smart sensors continuously monitor for damage and can automatically trigger the repair process or alert authorities when needed.
Tests show this technology can cut road maintenance costs by up to 60%. Due to its success, South Korea is piloting the self-healing surface on airport runways, military roads, and high-traffic routes. Experts believe that if fully adopted, this could revolutionize road maintenance—reducing manual labor, saving money, and minimizing traffic disruptions. Within five years, self-healing roads could become a global standard, offering smoother and safer travel.
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