Oregon State University (OSU) has an amazing team of wood science researchers that have recently proposed the idea to change the filler currently used in rubber tires. The standard filler is Silica but these researchers suggest changing that to micro-crystalline cellulose which is derived from plant fiber. This change would result in tires that would be more cost effective, fuel and energy efficient and better performers.

The development of this new tire is showing that it also has comparable traction to the standard rubber tire in wet conditions and is found to have decreased rolling resistance in high temperatures which contributes the improving the tries’ fuel efficiency.

Although this is still in the research phase, the next test will be for long term durability.