NOVOSIBIRSK, November 20. /TASS/. Russian scientists developed a biopolymer to improve frost resistance of roads in the Arctic, Georgy Lazarenko, leading the Advanced Engineering School at the Novosibirsk State University, told TASS.
Temperature fluctuations often cause degradation of the soil coating thus creating risks to ground-based infrastructures, he said.
"We are using biopolymers that form structures as a result of temperature fluctuations and of freezing and melting cycles," he continued. "The structures are such that material strength increases with each cycle."
The material is a mixture of different biopolymers, the university's press service told TASS. The composition is a commercial secret. The scientist told reporters the materials could be used in road construction to strengthen soil foundations for automobile roads and railways. The developed components meet high environmental requirements and standards for the Arctic.
Laboratory tests have shown the material withstands temperatures up to minus 20 degrees Celsius. Industrial tests are due next year, the scientist said. "We have planned tests at the Yamal test site," he told reporters. In an interview with TASS, he confirmed an oil and gas company was the project's industrial partner.