Researchers Develop Reusable Tire Design to Cut Rubber Waste
What Happened
Researchers at Spain’s Carlos III University of Madrid (UC3M) have developed ECOTIRE, a modular tire that allows only the worn-out tread to be replaced while retaining the main tire casing. Since the tread accounts for less than 20% of a tire’s weight, the design could significantly reduce tire waste and pollution. The project also uses silicone-based materials that showed around 10 times less wear than conventional rubber in testing.
Key Takeaways
Beyond sustainability, ECOTIRE incorporates sensors that can monitor grip, pressure, road friction, and hazards such as ice or hydroplaning in real time, potentially improving safety and supporting future autonomous vehicles.