As consumer demand for cheaper, more fuel-efficient tires continues to grow, researchers are exploring some pretty interesting opportunities to revolutionize the way tires are constructed. Wood researchers, that’s right – wood researchers – at Oregon State University have stumbled upon a potential material that could be used as a reinforcement filler inside tires. The microcrystalline cellulose they are testing could be used to manufacture inexpensive energy-efficient tires that also offer better performance, higher heat resistance, and retained tensile strength.
Right now, most tires use carbon black as a filler, which is made from oil and silica. These materials are becoming increasingly expensive, and they are also dense and therefore detrimental to the fuel-efficiency of the tire. Microcrystalline cellulose, on the other hand, can be produced rather inexpensively and does not detract from mileage like carbon black does. By replacing 12% of the silica in carbon black with cellulose fibers, OSU researchers were able to achieve promising results that suggest it’s time to change the way passenger tires are reinforced. Plant fibers are already widely used to reinforce other rubber products such as hoses, insulation, and automotive belts.
Researchers are optimistic about the implications of their ongoing research, though they say more testing is needed before the technology becomes widespread.
Filed under: Eco-friendly Tires, Tire News, carbon black, fuel efficient tires, microcrystalline cellulose
The Tire Library 