CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Recycling old masks is good for the environment but as it turns out, it could also help improve the roads here in North Carolina.
Let's connect the dots.
Students and staff at East Carolina University are working with state leaders on this new project. The thought?
Some of the fibers in masks can be mixed with asphalt to pave roads. But here's the best part. They think adding recycled masks could actually prevent roads from rutting or deteriorating.
So why are masks the magic ingredient? They become a liquid when added to the hot asphalt. ECU researchers say the two stick together like glue.
Over time, that helps the mixture gets firmer and tougher and that's great news for all of us if it's used to pave roads.
It would mean highways and major intersections would stay in better condition, longer.
Contact Ben Thompson at bthompson@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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