The new Q8 service station on Via Ardeatina in Rome, inaugurated on 29 September 2020, is the first service area in the world to test graphene-enhanced asphalt concrete with Gipave®, the polymer supermodifier that combines the properties of graphene with those of specifically selected hard plastics, in order to increase the performances of asphalt, making road pavements more durable, safer and more environmentally friendly.
The works for the construction of the new service station have involved a total area of 2,000 square meters. The project has included the resurfacing of the binder (7 cm) and wearing (3 cm) courses with the use of the graphene-enhanced supermodifier.
For this single service area it was possible to recover 1 ton of recycled plastics, otherwise destined for waste-to-energy plants. A saving of about 82 kg of CO2eq was estimated, due to the incineration avoided. Furthermore, the increase in the service life of the pavement with Gipave, compared to one with neat bitumen, will allow a further reduction in CO2eq emissions by up to 70%.
“We are very proud of sharing with Q8 this test that uses our Gipave technology to create the first graphene service station – commented Federica Giannattasio, CEO of Iterchimica – To evaluate the effectiveness of asphalt concrete containing the graphene supermodifier, we have already carried out ten trial sections in Italy and in the United Kingdom, obtaining excellent results. It is an entirely made-in-Italy technology that allows to obtain high-tech, green and highly resistant asphalt pavements, as well as reducing costs and the emission of CO2 in the atmosphere “.
In the picture from left to right: Giuseppe Zappalà, CEO Q8 Italia;
Bashar Al-Awadhi, GM Q8 Italia; Federica Giannattasio, CEO Iterchimica