Tree-Fiber Tires Give Better MPGs

Researchers are Oregon State University (go Beavers!) have found that microcrystalline cellulose, which is made from plant fibers, could be used to reinforce rubber tires instead of silica or carbon black, which just sounds nasty.

Cellulose fiber has been used in other rubbery bits, like belts and hoses, before. Using it in tires reduced the cost of production and the rolling resistance. Lower rolling resistance makes for better fuel economy. The cellulose also upped the tires’ grippiness on wet roads, which is great for safety, especially here in Oregon. Silica, for its part, is a high-energy product to process, and carbon black is made from oil.

The only issue now is the durability of the cellulose-reinforced tires. No company has jumped on the cellulose bandwagon yet, but Yokohama’s dB Super E-spec high-performance passenger tires use orange oil, and Michelin’s Energy Saver tires promise increased fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.