Using Non-Newtonian Fluids To Fill Potholes

sciencehabit writes in with a link about a group of students who have come up with an interesting idea about how to fill potholes. "Non-Newtonian fluids are the stars of high school science demonstrations. In one example, an ooey-gooey batter made from corn starch and water oozes like a liquid when moved slowly. But punch it, or run across a giant puddle of it, and it becomes stiff like a solid. Now, a group of college students has figured out a new use for the strange stuff: filler for potholes."

Re:Wonderful idea ...

[c0lo]

Another idea: let's use pitch - it maybe not a non newtonian fluid (but again, it may be... just haven't had enough time to check), but it is a fluid [wikipedia.org] nonetheless.

Now, because it tends to stick on the tires (and the use of mats tends to be expensive over time), I suppose we can mix the pitch with sand and/or fine gravel before filling in the holes - should keep the pothole filled for some years without the need of revisiting it... what a boon for the taxpayers. (hmmm... I think I'm going to patent this)

Re:More Patents

[Eponymous Hero]

of course! benzykllul...lolo...konoleum chloride! why didn't i think of that?

Re:Seems inferior to the current solution.

[SomeJoel]

There's no counter argument to that.

There's always a counter argument.

If you fill the potholes, property values would go up, and with them property taxes. I am firmly against your plan to raise taxes. You must be some sort of democrat.