Tires Partially Made from Cellulose

Filed in archive Other Biotechnology News on July 22, 2009

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A new study indicates that microcrystalline cellulose, a product derived from plant fibers, can be used to partially replace silica as a reinforcing filler in the manufacture of rubber tires. This technology would require less energy and costs during production, and result to tires that better resist heat buildup.

In this study, OSU researchers replaced up to about 12 percent of the silica used in conventional tire manufacture. This decreased the amount of energy needed to compound the rubber composite, improved the heat resistance of the product, and retained tensile strength.

Traction is always a key issue with tire performance, and the study showed that the traction of the new product was comparable to existing rubber tire technology in a wet, rainy environment. However, at high temperatures such as in summer, the partial replacement of silica decreased the rolling resistance of the product, which would improve fuel efficiency of rubber tires made with the new approach.

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