When the tire hits the road, could it be with trees?

William Atkins
Thursday, 06 August 2009 18:50

Science - Energy

Learn more about microcrystalline cellulose at the NB Entrepreneurs website and at the University of Nebraska website.

The OSU article states, “A new study suggests that this approach might decrease the energy required to produce the tire, reduce costs, and better resist heat buildup. Early tests indicate that such products would have comparable traction on cold or wet pavement, be just as strong, and provide even higher fuel efficiency than traditional tires in hot weather.”

Dr. Kaichang Li, of the OSU Department of Wood Science and Engineering, and doctoral student Wen Bai conducted the research on microcrystalline cellulose for use within rubber tires.

Dr. Li states, “We were surprised at how favorable the results were for the use of this material.”

Bai is shown in this photograph developing rubber composites at an OSU laboratory using microcrystalline cellulose.

About 12% of silica was replaced with microcrystalline cellulose in their experiments. For more information on the story, please go to the OSU Media Release: “Tires made from trees – better, cheaper, more fuel efficient.”

The summary of their research was published in the journal Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing.