Russian university scientists develop asphalt with recycled plastic for more durable roads
Innovative technology reduces costs without complicating production processes
Researchers at the North-Caucasus Federal University (NCFU) have created an innovative asphalt mix incorporating plastic waste. According to the university’s portal, the new material is designed to enhance the durability of road surfaces while simultaneously reducing the volume of plastic sent to landfills.
The source stated that over 600,000 tonnes of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic are consumed annually in Russia. PET is widely used for beverage bottles, food containers, cosmetics, and household chemical packaging. Only about 30 per cent of PET is recycled, while the remaining 70 per cent is sent to landfills or incineration plants, as its reuse in the food industry is prohibited.
NCFU scientists studied the binding properties of modified PET waste and proposed using it as an additive in asphalt concrete. They developed optimised compositions and a rational technology for incorporating PET into bitumen, improving the physical, mechanical, and operational properties of road surfaces.
The addition of PET allows asphalt to maintain better plasticity and deformation resistance across a wide temperature range while remaining environmentally safe as it stays bound within the bitumen. Laboratory tests confirmed that PET-modified asphalt retains its shape at high temperatures, cracks less, and withstands temperature fluctuations, with strength increasing by 11–23 per cent under extreme heat and adhesion improving by 7–20 per cent. The production process requires no major changes, and using recycled PET instead of polymer modifiers also lowers costs.
The NCFU team intends to conduct pilot industrial trials to assess how the asphalt performs under real-world conditions. Based on the results, technical guidelines will be developed to support the implementation of this technology throughout Russia’s road construction industry.
Photo: zoff-photo / iStock
-
![]()
Technology12.09.26Brazil launches AI solutions bank for public administration -
![]()
Technology12.09.26India to showcase its scientific and technological potential through TV BRICS -
![]()
Technology12.09.26Russia launches 5G network -
![]()
Technology11.09.26Iranian researchers improve water quality modelling accuracy by up to 43% -
![]()
Technology10.09.26Russian scientists develop technology to build houses at lower cost -
![]()
Technology09.09.26INOTEX 2026 connects 10 countries through technology, investment and startup cooperation
-
![Ashok Mondal]()
Ashok MondalNID Director"Signing this Memorandum of Understanding between the National Institute of Design (NID) and TV BRICS marks a pivotal milestone in advancing design diplomacy across the BRICS media space. This moment is especially significant as India hosts the 18th BRICS Summit, following India’s assumption of the BRICS chairship under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The partnership directly embodies his call to elevate Indian design standards through 'Design in India, Design for the World'. Through the global reach and broadcast capabilities of TV BRICS, we are excited to showcase the extraordinary visual storytelling, films, and design research of NID’s Film and Video Communication students to an international audience, while also welcoming and screening film works from BRICS network countries at NID Ahmedabad. This reciprocal exchange strengthens our shared commitment to educational, cultural, and artistic collaboration, fostering sustainable connections among global creative communities. NID Ahmedabad looks forward to leveraging this partnership to deepen cross-cultural dialogue, build international expert networks, and unlock transformative opportunities for filmmakers, researchers, and faculty across member nations" -
![Vladimir Putin]()
Vladimir PutinPresident of Russia"We are developing mutual trade, which is growing; it increased by over 12 per cent last year. We have a joint commission working in this sphere. Our focus is on agriculture, shipbuilding, information technology and energy, including nuclear power. We have signed a free trade agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union and Indonesia. Jakarta is our reliable and old friend within ASEAN. We are working together at all international platforms, including the UN" -
![Vladimir Putin]()
Vladimir PutinPresident of Russia"More and more Iranian students are choosing Russian education. We are very pleased about this. A great many future doctors are studying in Russia. In the 2025–2026 academic year, the number of Iranian students in Russia approached 10,000, with 802 of them studying at the expense of the Russian state budget" -
![Xi Jinping]()
Xi JinpingPresident of the People’s Republic of China"The foundation of our bilateral relations will only grow stronger, and we will confidently move forward to a better future. […] The striving of nations on our planet for peace, development, cooperation and mutual benefit remains unchanged. The vital mission of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is to maintain stability and promote the development of our region" -
![Alisher Salomov]()
Alisher SalomovAdviser to the Chairman of the National Committee for Ecology and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan"First and foremost, I would like to highlight the importance of this Central Asia–Russia initiative, because environmental problems know no borders, and only a shared understanding of these problems and the search for joint solutions can deliver positive results"
