Adaptenes: a concept for programmable road construction materials with trigger-responsive properties

Introduction. Over the period from 2015 to 2025, the global market for self-healing materials grew from USD 0.5 billion to USD 2.5 billion – an almost fivefold increase – with forecasts projecting further growth to USD 14.6 billion by 2033 (CAGR 21.1%). The number of scientific publications on self-healing and programmable materials in international citation databases demonstrates exponential growth. Nevertheless, no unified concept has yet been proposed that integrates adaptability, programmability, selfhealing, property control, and trigger activation within a single technological framework, which significantly complicates the implementation of innovative materials and solutions in real-world practice. Materials and methods. Within the framework of the present study, a series of tests was carried out on fine sand and a soil-lime mixture based on it using a SoyuzDorNII standard compaction apparatus, with determination of the optimum moisture content and the holding time at the optimum moisture content. The role of nanoscale effects was analyzed, including the wedging pressure according to B.V. Derjaguin, nanocapsulation, and the catalytic activity of Ca(OH)2 particles. Results. The holding time of fine sand at the optimum moisture content was 6 h, while that of the soil-lime mixture was 2 h, representing a threefold reduction. The threefold acceleration of the hydration trigger is caused by catalytic ion-exchange reactions initiated by nanoscale Ca(OH)2 crystallites in the near-surface layer of mineral particles. Discussion. An analysis of global research shows that the existing terminology does not cover systems combining metastable storage, trigger activation, and controlled variability of properties. A new term, adapten, is proposed as a meta-term for resources, materials, and systems with controlled variability of properties and the possibility of programming at the nanoscale. Conclusion. The concept of adaptens integrates programmable materials science, colloid chemistry, and processing technology into a unified approach.