Science Daily has published an article about making tires with some wood products. Science researchers at Oregon State University who have made some remarkable discoveries about using the microcrystalline cellulose fibers from any kind of plant material to partially replace silica as a reinforcing filler in the manufacture of rubber tires.
Their early tests show that the tires would cost less, perform better, and save on fuel and energy. Cellulose fiber is already used for some reinforcement in things like automotive belts, hoses and insulation, but not in tires, where the fillers are carbon black and silica. Carbon black is a product of oil, and the processing for silica is energy-intensive.
I wonder if that will require more forest destruction?
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