french institute of science and technology for transport ... - Ifsttar

esearch orientation w_conserving energy and natural resources
Algoroute
Algae take over the road
Growing microalgae at Alpha Biotech
(Asserac, Département 44) and the first coated
material made with microalgae extracts.
With its partners IFSTTAR is developing a “plantbased”
polymer in order for roads to be ready for the
post-oil age and ease the transition towards a carbonfree
economy.
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The Algoroute project is concerned with a new renewable
source of plant material, microalgae. In 2011 it was selected
for research support in the framework of the “scientific
challenge” call for projects organized by the Pays-de-Loire
region. Work on a doctoral theses in this topic started at
IFSTTAR in October 2010.
Growing microalgae has the major benefits of giving very high
yields and not competing with plant production for human consumption.
The Algoroute project partners (GEPEA, AlgoSource
Technologies) are currently engaged in studies to produce a
biofuel and foodstuffs. However, the economic and environmental
viability of these applications depends on the ability to
make use of the byproducts, which Algoroute also sets out to
do. The project harnesses a range of expertise that is present
in the Pays-de-Loire region, from academic laboratories,
IFSTTAR, CEISAM, GEPEA and the firms AlgoSource Technologies
and Alpha Biotech.
The goal is to be able to produce a hydrophobic viscoelastic
binder from substances present in microalgae. This binder
must be able to give cohesion to a granular structure while
withstanding local mechanical or thermal stresses. This
“plant-based” polymer could replace oil-derived asphalt in
road mixes.
@ CONTACT
emmanuel.chailleux@ifsttar.fr
ZOOMiNG iN ON …
3.3 m² of
bituminous mix.
Fine art and asphalt
For her final year project at the École Nationale des Beaux
Arts in Paris, Pauline Tamisier, wished to feature an object
made with an asphaltic mixture. The “Materials for Transport
Infrastructure” Group which is part of the Materials Unit
(MAT) rose to the challenge of manufacturing it (IFSTTAR /
Nantes Centre), linking up with an age-old tradition going
back to the ancient Far East where asphalt was used to make
works of art.
The result was a work of art “Sans titre, 2011”, and the artist
graduated with the congratulations of the Jury and the right
to take part in the “Nomadic Geographies” exhibition to be
held from May to July 2012 at the École Nationale des Beaux
Arts in Paris.
@ CONTACT
emmanuel.chailleux@ifsttar.fr
annual report 2011 ifsttar.fr