Are Tires Made from Tree Fibers an Eco-Friendly Possibility?

Tires are one of the most ubiquitous waste materials in the world, and the materials used to create them in the first place aren’t exactly environmentally friendly, either. But what if we could replace some of those materials with green options that are not only made from renewable resources, but actually improve fuel efficiency?

Scientists at Oregon State University believe it might be possible to replace the silica used to provide traction for tires with microcrystalline cellulose, a material produced from tree fibers. When tested, this material provided comparable traction and also reduced rolling during high temperatures.

From Earth911:

The cellulose is produced using acid hydrolysis on wood products, such as trees. The average piece of wood contains 40-50 percent cellulose according to OSU. It is then mixed with other materials to form composite rubber, which is the raw material for tires.

Combine this technology with the new advancements that have allowed tiremakers to replace petroleum with orange oil, and we’re well on our way to much smarter, greener tires.

Link [Earth911]
Photo credit: Flickr use tinken

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